Government’s New Initiative to Prevent Extinction of Wild Elephants in Lathitila

The Forest Department plans to take steps to preserve the last three female wild elephants, now at risk of extinction, in the Lathitila forest. With the aim of rehabilitating elephants by relocating them from Gazipur Safari Park or other places in the country, a specialized technical committee has conducted a feasibility study in Lathitila Reserved Forest, part of the Patharia Hills Reserve Forest in Juri and Barlekha upazilas of Moulvibazar.

Formed under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change through the office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, the committee visited the forest for three days—from September 6 (Saturday) to September 8 (Monday), 2025.

During the visit, the committee assessed the suitability of Lathitila for elephant rehabilitation, including infrastructure, food supply, and security arrangements. According to the Forest Department, local forest officials were instructed to provide full cooperation during the committee’s inspection. The department believes that if a favorable environment for elephant conservation and breeding can be established, this forest could play a key role in the country’s elephant preservation efforts.

Attendees at the visit included: Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, wildlife expert and former Principal Wildlife Specialist at Dubai Safari Park; Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Dhaka University; Md. Abdul Motaleb, elephant specialist and Acting Executive Director, Arannayk Foundation, Dhaka; wildlife researcher Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman Sumi; Mohammad Sultan Ahmed, Senior Program Officer, IUCN Bangladesh; Sanaullah Patwari, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Region, Dhaka; Zahir Uddin Akand, Conservator of Forests, Central Region, Dhaka; Abul Kalam, Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division, Sylhet (headquarters: Moulvibazar); Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Divisional Forest Officer, Sylhet Forest Division; Nazmul Hussain, Juri Range Officer; along with members of the Lathitila BGB camp, including Havildar Md. Faruq Ahmed, as well as local people, forest “jagirdars,” and headmen.

Discussions were held with locals about the technical and administrative aspects of the elephant rehabilitation project. Opinions were also gathered regarding designated conservation areas, relocation processes, and necessary infrastructure.

According to forest and local sources, the Lathitila beat covers 5,631 acres. Situated about 60 kilometers northeast of Moulvibazar, Lathitila forms part of the Patharia Hill Reserve Forest under the Sylhet Forest Division’s Juri Range. The most recent survey in 2015 recorded the forest’s total protected area at 80 square kilometers, of which Lathitila comprises 20 square kilometers.

Conversations with local residents revealed that about four decades ago, a herd of wild elephants from Assam, India, roamed the Patharia Hills Reserve Forest. Until just a couple of years ago, these elephants would move in groups across the forest and occasionally cross into Assam. Recently, however, another elephant died on the Indian side, leaving only three elephants remaining.

Through this initiative, the government aims not only to ensure a safe habitat for elephants but also to guarantee safe living conditions for local residents. The next step will be to proceed with implementation activities.

Sylhet Divisional Forest Officer Humayun Kabir said: “Forests and the environment are not private property—they are shared resources. Lathitila forest is recognized as one of the richest forests in the country. We will carefully survey how suitable it is for elephants. If adequate food resources are found, that will be considered with importance.

Together, if we all try, we can achieve something positive. But the Forest Department will prioritize ensuring that local people do not suffer any harm. I also call on the forest jagirdars to work collectively to preserve the future prosperity of Lathitila.”

Sanaullah Patwari, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Region, Dhaka, said: “This region of Sylhet has a history of elephant habitation—some have witnessed it, others have only heard about it. The government wants to ensure how elephants can be conserved here.

Official records show that the highest number of elephant owners are in Sylhet, so it is feasible to take this initiative here. Elephant specialists will work on the matter to prevent human-elephant conflict and avoid damage to crops and houses. The Forest Department will take steps carefully in this regard.”

Wildlife expert Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan said: “A designated area is essential for the natural habitat of elephants. Without such a place, it is impossible to keep them in captivity. Elephants instinctively know which areas are safe for them. Compared to countries like India, elephants in Bangladesh face much less cruelty.

If the government brings breeding elephants, a special zone will be declared on public land. There, arrangements will be made for their treatment and monitoring. Mahouts will look after the elephants. Abroad, elephants are well-trained in large spaces, but since we don’t have such vast land or large herds, a smaller initiative integrated with wild elephants will be adopted. Elephants have an extraordinary memory; they can recognize their clan or herd through smell. Elephants in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka all belong to the same lineage.”