Govt working to ensure elephant-human coexistence: Rizwana

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said the government is sincerely working to ensure the coexistence of wild elephants and humans. 
 
"As part of this effort, a plan is being developed to promote peaceful coexistence between elephants and humans in the KEPZ area of Chattogram," she said, seeking cooperation from all in this endeavour.
 
Rizwana made the remarks at a meeting held at the Bangladesh Secretariat here.
 
The progress on the activities of a specialist committee addressing elephant conservation and conflict resolution in the KEPZ and surrounding areas was reviewed, a ministry press release said.
 
The environment adviser said specific zones for elephant movement should be identified through tracking and analysis of their migration routes. 
 
"A collaborative effort involving KEPZ, the Forest Department, IUCN, district administration, and experts will be implemented. Additionally, five new elephant response teams will be formed and trained," she said.
 
On the other hand, a drive against illegal polythene manufacturers was conducted in the Chawkbazar area of Dhaka. 
 
Three factories were sealed off with 2,460 kg of banned polythene seized. 
 
Led by Executive Magistrate Kazi Tamzid Ahmed of the Department of Environment (DoE), this drive was assisted by the army, RAB, and police.