World Elephant Day held with call to protect habitats 

KAPTAI, RANGAMATI, Aug 13: Speakers at a rally and discussion in Kaptai on Wednesday urged people not to obstruct elephant corridors, destroy their habitats or approach the animals to take photos and videos, warning that such activities could increase human-elephant conflict.
The programme was organised by the Kaptai Range of the Chattogram Hill Tracts South Forest Division to mark World Elephant Day.
Speakers said the number of elephants in Kaptai National Park has increased from 36 in 2024 to an estimated 42-45 currently.
However, shrinking food sources are forcing elephants to enter human settlements, increasing the risk of conflict.
“Elephants must be protected for our own survival,” they said, stressing the need to conserve forests and protect elephant habitats and food sources.
They urged people to maintain a safe distance if elephants enter settlements and immediately inform the Forest Department.
Earlier, a rally involving school students, forest officials, government employees, journalists and forest-dependent communities toured major roads before returning to the upazila parishad premises.
Later, fruit, forest and medicinal saplings were distributed among 100 students.