Noakhali Correspondent:

In an operation based on confidential information, the Coastal Forest Department rescued 425 turtles (Kori Kaita) in Begumganj, Noakhali.

Noakhali Divisional Forest Officer Abu Yusuf confirmed this information in a press release on Saturday. The turtles were seized from an abandoned house next to the Loknath Temple in Mondalpara, Ward No. 7 of Chaumuhani Municipality.

According to Forest Department sources, among the rescued turtles, 325 were alive and 100 were dead. It is suspected that the turtles were kept there for the purpose of wildlife trafficking. However, no one has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Members of the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) of the Forest Department and a volunteer organization participated in the operation. On behalf of the Coastal Forest Department, Noakhali, it was informed that the seized live turtles will be released into nearby water bodies as per the instructions of higher authorities.

It is worth mentioning that turtles are protected wildlife listed in Schedule-1 under the Wildlife Conservation and Security Act-2012. They play a very important role in maintaining the balance of the aquatic environment. Wildlife trafficking is a serious crime, and operations against it will continue.