State minister orders probe and punishment over dog-crocodile incident

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has expressed deep shock and anger over a viral video showing a crocodile dragging a dog into a pond adjacent to the shrine of Hazrat Khanjahan (RA) in Bagerhat. He has ordered a proper investigation and punishment for those responsible.

The widely circulated video shows that while many people at the scene were busy recording the incident, no one came forward to save the helpless animal. The incident has raised questions about humanity.

After the matter came to his attention, State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said, "The Bagerhat incident has deeply pained me. I am not only saddened as the state minister of the concerned ministry but also as a human being. The honourable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to building this country as a sanctuary for humans and all living beings."

He instructed the concerned administration to conduct a proper investigation and bring those responsible to justice. He also directed that all necessary measures be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.

Following the state minister's directives, the Bagerhat district administration has taken swift action. A four-member investigation committee has been formed, with Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Atia Khatun as its head. The other members are Assistant Commissioner (Land) M Sharif Khan, Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Palash Kumar Das, and Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Mahmud-ul-Hasan.