A Correspondent, Bandarban:

A worker named Md Kalu, 50, was killed in a wild elephant attack in Ishaq Memberpara of Saro Union, Lama, Bandarban, early on Saturday.

The deceased, Kalu, was the son of Akkel Ali from Shaplapur Union in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar. He was working as a labourer at a betel leaf plantation in Ishaq Memberpara of Saro.

According to locals, due to food shortages in the hills, herds of wild elephants are frequently entering human settlements in search of food. Around 4am, local time, on Saturday, a group of wild elephants came down from the deep forest to Ishaq Memberpara in search of food.

While searching for food, the elephants entered a farm shelter where Kalu was sleeping. He was seriously injured in the attack.

Locals quickly rescued him and took him to the Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead.

Speaking on the matter, Lama Forest Division’s Sadar Range Officer AKM Ata Elahi said: “We have received reports of a worker named Md Kalu being killed in an elephant attack.

The incident will be investigated, and compensation will be provided to the affected family as per regulations.” He also mentioned that food shortages in the hills are causing the elephant herds to invade human settlements.

Lama Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Shahadat Hossain said: “The deceased’s body was recovered and brought to the Lama Upazila Health Complex. Since there was no complaint, after a preliminary post-mortem and legal formalities, the body was handed over to the family.”