Honey collector seriously injured in tiger attack in Sundarbans

A honey collector was critically injured after being attacked by a tiger while collecting honey inside the Sundarbans on Monday morning (May 11).

The injured, Bablu Gazi, 48, was rescued by fellow collectors around 7:00am and brought back to the locality before being rushed to Satkhira Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Bablu, a resident of Dumuria village under Gabura Union in Shyamnagar of Satkhira, had entered the forest with a 10-member team after obtaining official permission from the Forest Department.

According to team leader Yusuf Gazi, the group entered the forest through the Burigoalini station area four days ago for honey collection. While moving through the Kachikhata area on Sunday morning, a tiger suddenly emerged from behind and attacked Bablu.

Forest workers and other team members waiting on nearby boats rushed to the scene with sticks and machetes and managed to drive the tiger away after a desperate struggle. The animal later disappeared deep into the forest, leaving Bablu severely wounded.

Doctors at Shyamnagar Upazila Health Complex said the tiger inflicted serious injuries from below his neck to his back and waist. Assistant Medical Officer Dr. Shakir Hossain said the victim was later transferred to Satkhira Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Confirming the incident, Burigoalini Station Officer Fazlur Rahman of the Satkhira Range said the attack occurred while the group was legally collecting honey inside the forest with official permits.

He added that financial assistance would be provided to the injured honey collector after necessary verification procedures are completed.