'Badsha Bahadur', a sick elephant used for circus work in the Mahasthangarh area of Bogura, is finally being brought into government custody at the National Zoo in Dhaka. The move was taken on the special instruction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure the elephant's welfare and proper treatment.

The elephant was formally handed over to officials of the Department of Livestock Services at Mahasthan Bandar in Bogura at around 7:30pm on Saturday, 4 July.

The elephant had fallen seriously ill after a long period without enough food or proper care. After the matter was reported in various media, it came to the Prime Minister's attention, and he ordered that the elephant be rescued through the Department of Livestock Services and moved to the National Zoo in Mirpur, Dhaka. Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, was instructed to take the necessary steps. On the state minister's initiative, the elephant's owner was contacted, and he voluntarily agreed to place the animal in the custody of the Department of Livestock Services and handed it over.

Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ziaur Rahman said the elephant would receive the treatment, regular care and suitable environment it needs at the National Zoo, where Badsha Bahadur is expected to regain a healthy and safe life.

Local administration officials and representatives of the Department of Livestock Services were present at the handover. Local environmentalists and members of the public expressed satisfaction that the sick elephant was finally being sent to the zoo for better treatment.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.