Locals in Chattogram block road demanding relocation of wild elephants The Daily Star March 27, 2025 See link <https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/rights/news/locals-chattogram-block-road-demanding-relocation-wild-elephants-3859066> for photo. A large number of residents from Chattogram's Karnaphuli upazila blocked the PAB road for six hours today, demanding the relocation of wild elephants from the area. The protest caused severe traffic congestion, halting movement on the inter-district road and resulting in miles of traffic buildup in both directions, severely inconveniencing commuters. This demonstration follows a tragic incident on March 22, when a three-month-old child was killed in an elephant attack. Jamal Uddin, assistant commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (Karnaphuli zone), confirmed that the protesters began blocking the road near the main gate of the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) at Doulatpur around 6:00am and continued until around 12:00pm. In addition, some protesters blocked local roads, further disrupting traffic. The protest ended after demonstrators were assured that the elephants would be relocated. "The upazila administration and the Forest Department are working together to address the issue. They had discussions with the protesters to find a resolution," said Jamal Uddin. Wasim Akram, one of the protesters, told reporters that the demonstration stemmed from growing concerns over public safety. "The people here live in constant fear of wild elephant attacks. Several lives have already been lost in such attacks, and we need a permanent solution," he explained. Abu Naser Yeasin Newaz, divisional forest officer of the Chattogram Wildlife Division, said that talks are ongoing with senior officials. "These elephants have lived here for years, and relocating them is not an easy task. However, at the request of the local administration, we are discussing the possibility of moving them," he said. On March 22, a three-month-old child was killed in an elephant attack, which heightened the residents' concerns. Currently, a herd of three elephants is residing in the Deyang Hill area within the KEPZ. Locals said the destruction of their natural habitat and food sources has driven the elephants into increasingly closer proximity with human settlements, escalating human-elephant conflicts. The situation has become critical, creating a growing need for a long-term solution that addresses both the safety of residents and the well-being of the elephants. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/rights/news/locals-chattogram-block-road-demanding-relocation-wild-elephants-3859066