Two Killed in Cox’s Bazar Elephant Attack

Two people, a mother and her young daughter, were killed following a wild elephant attack in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh.

The incident took place at approximately 5:00 am on Thursday (30 April) in the Syed Colony area of West Khuniapalong under Khuniapalong Union. The victims were identified as Semon Ara (25) and her three-year-old daughter, Asma Bibi. They were the wife and daughter of Md. Ekaram Mia, according to local identification.

Local accounts state that a herd of three wild elephants entered the residential area in the early hours of the morning. The elephants reportedly damaged boundary walls of several homes and uprooted trees in the vicinity, causing widespread alarm among residents.

Witnesses said that upon hearing the commotion, Md. Ekaram Mia and his wife came out of their home with their children. At that time, the elephant herd moved towards the household. Md. Ekaram Mia managed to escape with his six-year-old son, Rehan Uddin, moving away from the immediate area. However, Semon Ara and her daughter Asma Bibi were unable to escape and were killed at the scene during the attack.

A local resident, Belal Uddin, described that the elephants entered the settlement suddenly, leaving residents with very little time to react. The movement of the herd created panic in the area.

According to Khuniapalong Union Parishad member Zainal Abedin Babul, the elephants were highly aggressive at the time of the incident. He stated that the sudden nature of the attack left no opportunity for the mother and child to take shelter or flee. After the incident, the elephants reportedly fed on mango and jackfruit trees in the area before moving towards a nearby hill.

Local officials further stated that the affected family had been residing on forest department land for an extended period. They were identified as Rohingya nationals.

Residents in the surrounding areas have reported increased movement of wild elephant herds in Khuniapalong and South Mithachhari in recent times, as the animals search for food. This has contributed to ongoing concern among local communities regarding safety and security.

Police from Ramu Police Station responded to the incident. Inspector (Investigation) Md. Farid confirmed that officers completed the inquest examination at the scene. The bodies were subsequently handed over to the relatives of the deceased. He added that preparations for an unnatural death case are in progress.

Summary of the Victims

Incident Details