May 5, 2026
DHAKA – Three endangered spectacled langurs were rescued from a residence in Chattogram’s Khulshi area last night during a raid by the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Division of the Forest Department.
The operation took place at a residential building on High Level Road under Khulshi Police Station following a tip-off about illegal wildlife possession and trade.
Divisional Forest Officer ANM Yasin Newaz said the team initially faced obstruction while attempting to enter the house.
“With police assistance, we entered the house and rescued three spectacled langurs after conducting a search,” he said.
The DFO added that the house is linked to a wildlife trafficking network and was rented by a suspect named Jaglu, who was not present during the raid.
“A child was found inside the house, but authorities did not take immediate action as no guardian was present,” the DFO added.
Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the suspected trafficking ring.
The spectacled langur is listed as a critically endangered species in Bangladesh, the official said.
Under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2026, possession of such species is punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 3 lakh, or both.
Officials said legal proceedings have begun, and a court has verbally directed that the rescued animals be temporarily kept at a safari park.