Two Elephants Returned to Owners After Two Years in Forest Dept Custody

Two elephants, named Shomrat and Niharkoli, have officially been returned to their respective owners after spending nearly two years under the custody of the forest department. The handover process took place at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, located in Sreepur, Gazipur, marking the end of a lengthy separation between the animals and their handlers that began due to serious welfare concerns.

The events leading up to this custody period began approximately two years prior to the recent transfer, when authorities intervened following allegations of torture and illegal money extortion involving the two elephants. Consequently, the forest department took the animals into their protective custody at the Gazipur safari park to ensure their safety and well-being while the situation was addressed.

The formal handover of the elephants to their rightful owners successfully took place on August 12. During the proceedings at the safari park, ownership was individually transferred, with Shomrat being formally received and taken back by his owner, Monir Mia, and Niharkoli being accepted by her owner, Abdul Majid, in the presence of relevant authorities.

Before the forest department finalized the return of Shomrat and Niharkoli, strict legal and administrative measures were enforced to prevent any repetition of the past issues. Specifically, the authorities required the owners, Monir Mia and Abdul Majid, to sign formal written bonds, known as muchaleka, before taking the animals away from the facility.

Under the terms of the signed bonds, the owners have made a formal and binding commitment to the authorities. They are strictly prohibited from using the elephants, Shomrat and Niharkoli, to collect money or engage in extortion, and they must guarantee that the animals will never be subjected to any form of torture or abuse in the future.