Khan Jahan shrine crocodile finds new habitat

Following the tragic death of a young girl, authorities have decided to relocate the crocodile that had long been a resident of a historic Bagerhat Khan Jahan Ali shrine pond.

The decision to relocate the reptile was taken by the district administration in the interest of public safety on the night of June 2.

Officials from the Forest Department and local administration arrived in the shrine area to carry out the operation on Wednesday morning (June 3). The crocodile was spotted on the eastern bank of the pond around 10:30am, after which efforts to capture it began.

Officials successfully restrained the animal using bait and later lifted it from the pond at 12pm. The crocodile was then transported by vehicle to Khulna.

Eight-year-old Fatema Akhter was attacked on Monday evening while bathing at the women’s ghat of the Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali shrine pond. Witnesses said the reptile, lurking in the water, grabbed the child by the leg and dragged her under. Her body was recovered the following dawn.

The incident prompted the district administration to hold an emergency meeting late Tuesday. Deputy Commissioner Golam Mohammad Baten announced that the crocodile will be transferred to the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre in the Sundarbans. "Human safety comes first," the DC stated. "One life has already been lost. If we fail to prevent another tragedy, we will also be answerable under the law."

Bagerhat East Sundarbans Divisional Forest Officer Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said a team of wildlife experts from Khulna will arrive on Wednesday to oversee the operation, determining the safest capture method and logistical plans. The shrine will also see strengthened security and increased surveillance.

The decision has been widely welcomed by local residents and devotees who have long raised concerns about safety at the site.