DHAKA, Aug 29, 2024 (BSS) – Forest Department today rescued an elephant received gruesome torture recently at the instruction of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

A video of the elephant being brutally beaten went viral on social media. As it came to the attention of the adviser of the ministry, the adviser gave directive to rescue the elephant on an urgent basis.

The elephant, injured at Daudkandi in Cumilla, was spotted in the Bakhrabad gas field area of Devidwar, and later, after a night-long effort, it was rescued from Sonaullah village in Muradnagar, said a ministry press release.

It said that the elephant has been sent to Gazipur Safari Park after the primary health checkup.

The elephant was identified with the help of Cumilla Forest Department and volunteers under the supervision of the secretary of the ministry and Chief Conservator of Forests.

However, the situation became complicated due to non-cooperation of the mahout (rider/trainer), but the elephant was captured and brought under control on Thursday morning.

Besides, legal action against the owner of the elephant is under process.

The elephant was rescued by the combined efforts of the Forest Department's Wildlife and Nature Conservation in the region, Cumilla Forest Department and local people following the directive of the advisor.