A tragic incident in the hill district of Bandarban has once again highlighted the dangers of human interaction with wild animals. A 35-year-old man was killed on Saturday morning after being attacked by a wild elephant while attempting to record a video of the animal on his mobile phone.
The victim, identified as Abdus Salam, was a tube-well mechanic by profession and a resident of the Naikhongchhari upazila in Bandarban. The fatal incident occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. on Saturday, 3 January, in Lambabil Titar Para, located in Ward No. 6 of Baishari Union.
According to eyewitnesses and local residents, a wild elephant emerged from the nearby forest and was crossing the road close to Abdus Salam’s home during the early morning hours. Seeing the animal, Salam reportedly began filming it on his phone and slowly followed from behind in an attempt to capture clearer footage.
Eyewitnesses Ruby Akter and Monuara Begum stated that while Salam was filming, barking dogs in the surrounding area suddenly agitated the elephant. Startled and distressed, the animal turned back and charged at him. Within moments, the elephant attacked, leaving Salam fatally injured at the scene.
The suddenness of the attack caused panic among local residents, many of whom were too frightened to intervene. The elephant later retreated back towards the forested area, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Local Union Parishad member Ubaching Marma said that upon receiving information about the incident, he immediately went to the spot and assisted in recovering the body. He added that such incidents have become increasingly common as wild elephants frequently enter residential areas in search of food.
The incident was officially confirmed by Mohammad Anwarul Islam, Inspector-in-Charge of the Baishari Police Investigation Centre. He stated that police visited the scene, completed the inquest report, and handed over the body to the family following standard legal procedures.
Wildlife experts note that the Bandarban region has seen a rise in human–elephant conflict in recent years due to deforestation, shrinking habitats, and the expansion of human settlements into forested areas. Authorities and conservationists continue to urge residents to maintain a safe distance from wild animals and avoid attempting to photograph or film them, particularly in open or unsecured environments.
Key Details of the Incident :
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim’s Name | Abdus Salam |
| Age | 35 |
| Occupation | Tube-well mechanic |
| Date of Incident | Saturday, 3 January |
| Time | Approximately 6:45 a.m. |
| Location | Lambabil Titar Para, Baishari Union, Naikhongchhari |
| Cause of Death | Attack by wild elephant |
| Police Authority | Baishari Police Investigation Centre |
The incident serves as a sombre reminder of the risks associated with close encounters with wildlife and underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and preventive measures in vulnerable rural communities.