Khan Jahan Ali Shrine Chief Khadem demands return of crocodile

The chief keeper of the shrine has expressed strong anger and protest over the removal of the only freshwater crocodile from the pond adjacent to the shrine of Bagerhat's historic Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (RA). Although the crocodile was removed for safety reasons after a child died in an attack three days ago, the keeper claims that it is the wealth and heritage of the people of Bagerhat, which should be brought back quickly.

The crocodile was transferred to the Khulna Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center under the supervision of the Forest Department on Wednesday (June 3).

The chief keeper of the shrine and former district Jubo Dal leader Fakir Tariqul Islam told reporters: "Our ancestors have been taking care of this shrine and the pond for about 550 years. It is not right to destroy the tradition just because of an accident. If someone dies in Bagerhat Police Station, is the police station closed? Taking the crocodile from here is a blow to our history."

He also said that they have already appointed eight guards for the crocodile's safety and if necessary, a tighter security fence will be built with the help of the administration.

It is worth noting that a child died in a crocodile attack in the pond last Tuesday (June 2). After that, the administration and the forest department decided to remove the crocodile in the interest of public safety. On Wednesday (June 3), the crocodile was transferred to the Khulna Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center under the supervision of the forest department.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared the freshwater crocodile extinct from Bangladesh in 2000. As such, this crocodile was extremely rare.

Howlader Azad Kabir, officer-in-charge of the Karamjal Wildlife and Crocodile Breeding Center in the Sundarbans, said that this crocodile will not survive in the brackish Sundarbans. He suggested that it is possible to establish a protected breeding center on one side of the shrine pond by stopping outside interference.

On the other hand, many visitors feel that the crocodile can be displayed for the public by building a suitable enclosure instead of leaving it open.

Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mosa. Atia Khatun said that no final decision has been made regarding the crocodile yet. Its future will be decided after discussions with higher authorities and will be announced later. The crocodile is currently under close observation at the Khulana Rehabilitation Center.