The Forest Department has rescued an endangered mother sea turtle from Cox’s Bazar’s Pekua upazila and safely released it into the Bay of Bengal.
The turtle was released around midnight on Sunday (January 18) at the Magnama–Kutubdia channel of the Bay of Bengal under the initiative of the Chattogram South Forest Division.
Khalequzzaman Mamun, range officer of the Barabakia Range under the Chattogram South Forest Division, said he received information from a local environmental activist that a large mother sea turtle had become trapped in fishing nets at the Jaliakhali area of Pekua Sadar Union.
“As soon as I received the information, I rushed to the location and rescued the turtle from the home of a local fisherman named Shahin,” he stated.
He added that the turtle was likely heading towards the river to nest when it became entangled in fishing nets set there. The fisherman caught the turtle and brought it ashore, where it remained for a prolonged period and became physically weak.
“To save its life, the Forest Department promptly arranged for its release into the sea under proper supervision,” the range officer said, adding that the turtle swam away into deep waters after being released.
Local environmental activist and Pekua spokesperson for the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), FM Suman, said he informed the Forest Department immediately upon receiving the news.
“The Forest Department responded swiftly, rescued the mother turtle, and released it back into the sea. This is a commendable initiative,” he said.
He also urged both the government and the general public to play a more sincere and active role in protecting endangered marine turtles and wildlife.
Meanwhile, local residents who gathered to see the turtle said that they had never seen such a large sea turtle in the river before.
They estimated its weight at around 50 kilograms and described it as a rare, massive mother turtle.
The Forest Department’s initiative has drawn appreciation from local people and contributed to increased awareness about wildlife conservation in the area.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
