Crocodile removed from Khan Jahan Ali shrine pond

The lone crocodile living in the pond adjacent to the historic shrine of Khan Jahan Ali Shrine has been removed following a fatal attack on a child three days ago.

The decision to relocate the reptile was taken by the administration in the interest of public safety on Tuesday night (June 2).

Officials from the Forest Department and local administration arrived at the shrine area to carry out the operation on Wednesday morning (June 3). The crocodile was spotted on the eastern bank of the pond around 10:30am, after which efforts to capture it began.

Officials successfully restrained the animal using bait and later lifted it from the pond at 12pm. The crocodile was then transported by vehicle to Khulna.

Mosa Atiya Khatun, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Bagerhat Sadar, said the crocodile was being relocated to the Khulna Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre as part of measures to ensure public safety.

"The decision was taken in the interest of public safety. The crocodile is being taken to the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Khulna. A final decision regarding its future will be announced later," she said.

The move comes after a child was killed in an attack by the crocodile at the shrine pond, prompting authorities to take immediate action to prevent further incidents.