Korean investor critically injured in elephant attack at Chattogram's KEPZ
Dipannita Bhattacherjee, wildlife and biodiversity conservation officer of the Chattogram Forest Department, said there was a herd of four elephants inhabiting the nearby forest areas.
A Korean investor identified as Dae Hyun Kang sustained critical injuries in an elephant attack at the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Chattogram's Anwara upazila Saturday evening.
Kang, who lives in Chattogram city, was rescued and admitted to Apollo Imperial Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment in the Critical Care Unit (CCU).
Confirming the incident, Mushfiqur Rahman, deputy general manager of KEPZ, told The Business Standard that Kang had visited KEPZ to play golf where the attack occurred around 5:30pm, leaving him critically injured.
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"He was walking on the golf course after playing when an elephant suddenly emerged from the nearby forest and attacked him," Mushfiqur said.
"Security staff immediately rescued Kang and rushed him to the hospital. Doctors have confirmed that four of his ribs fractured, and he has multiple injuries across his body. His condition is critical," Mushfiqur added.
The presence of wild elephants has become a source of concern for the workers and employees of KEPZ, officials said.
"The fear of elephant attacks is constant because it is difficult to predict from which direction the elephants will come. Over the past five years, they have caused significant damage to the greenery at KEPZ, destroying thousands of trees," Mushfiqur said.
KEPZ authorities also said that the area was previously barren and their nature conservation initiatives have attracted many animals including a herd of elephants.
Mushfiqur further mentioned that the KEPZ authorities have repeatedly contacted the government to take action, offering their full cooperation in relocating the elephants.
Dipannita Bhattacherjee, wildlife and biodiversity conservation officer of the Chattogram Forest Department, said, "These elephants frequently venture into local areas, damaging crops and private properties and injuring residents. The Forest Department often has to compensate the victims of these attacks."
In response to the ongoing issue, the Forest Department has organised several awareness programmes to train KEPZ security personnel to deter elephants and avoid attacks.
"We need to explore alternative solutions, such as ensuring the elephants have enough food within the forest so they do not feel compelled to venture out," Dipannita added.
