PM orders proper treatment of elephant injured in hill collapse

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the relevant authorities to ensure the highest level of medical treatment for a wild elephant, which was seriously injured as a result of a landslide in Cox’s Bazar.

The incident happened around 12:30pm on Saturday in the Shiyaillya Ghona area of Teknaf in Cox's Bazar.

According to preliminary information, the elephant was crossing a steep slope in search of food when a section of the hill collapsed due to continuous heavy rainfall. As a result, the animal plunged about 300 feet into a rocky stream below, sustaining severe injuries.

Following the PM’s directive, officials of the Forest Department rushed to the scene and immediately began rescue and treatment operations.

The elephant remains in critical condition. It has suffered a severe abdominal injury, one of its hind legs has been broken, and it has sustained multiple serious injuries across its body. Owing to the intense pain, the elephant is unable to stand.

Despite adverse weather and heavy rainfall, a team of specialist veterinarians is continuing treatment efforts. A veterinary surgeon from the Teknaf Upazila Livestock Office initially treated the elephant. A team of specialist veterinarians is now providing emergency care, including surgery-like treatment on the abdominal wound, stitching, and other necessary medical procedures.

The Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Rumon, is closely monitoring the progress of the treatment and coordinating with all the relevant agencies.

Meanwhile, members of the police, district administration, Forest Department and other relevant agencies have been deployed at the site to ensure the elephant's safety.

The authorities expressed hope that, under the Prime Minister's directive, the elephant would recover through intensive treatment, close monitoring and coordinated efforts, and eventually be released back into its natural habitat.