250 endangered turtles rescued from suspected traffickers in Bangladesh

In a significant conservation effort, the Forest Department in Bhola, Bangladesh, has rescued 250 endangered turtles believed to be victims of trafficking. The operation took place in Char Fasson upazila following a raid conducted early yesterday morning.

Officials discovered the turtles confined within four bamboo baskets. However, no individuals were present at the scene upon the arrival of the Forest Department team, suggesting the alleged traffickers fled before they could be apprehended. The rescued species include the Indian softshell turtle, known locally as "sundhi kachim," and the spotted pond turtle, referred to locally as "kori kaitta."

Following the rescue, a portion of the turtles were released back into their natural habitat. Around 9:00 PM last night, 153 turtles were released into ponds located near the Char Fasson upazila range office and within Sadar upazila. This morning, the remaining 97 turtles were released into a pond managed by the Roads and Highways Department and a canal adjacent to a ferry terminal.

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Authorities stated that those involved in the alleged trafficking managed to escape after learning of the impending raid. Sufal Roy, range officer of the Bhola Coastal Forest Department’s Sadar range, affirmed the department's commitment to ongoing operations against turtle trafficking and the broader protection of wildlife in the region.

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The department will continue drives against turtle trafficking and to protect wildlife.