PM visits Dulahazara Safari Park

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday visited Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox’s Bazar following his participation in the re-excavation programme of the historic Patli Canal in the district.

The premier arrived at the safari park around 2:00pm, accompanied by his spouse, Dr Zubaida Rahman. During the visit, they toured different sections of the park and observed its wildlife and natural attractions.

As part of the visit, Tarique Rahman planted a sapling of a Nagalingam tree in front of the park’s main entrance. He and his spouse later signed the park’s commemorative guest book.

An Asiatic black bear, classified as vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss, in the Dulahazara Safari Park. Photo: PMO

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam received the Prime Minister on his arrival at the park.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman enjoy the beauty of the Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox's Bazar on Saturday. Photo: PMO

Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman landed at Cox’s Bazar Airport and drove himself to the Patli Canal excavation site, accompanied by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed in the front passenger seat. He later drove from the canal site to the safari park.

Dr Zubaida Rahman takes the photo of an animal at Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox's Bazar as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman looks on standing beside her on Saturday. Photo: PMO

Thousands of local residents, along with leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations, lined the roads to welcome the Prime Minister, waving, scattering flower petals and chanting slogans throughout the journey.

The photo taken at Dulahazara Safari Park shows an Asiatic Black Bear which is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, facing threats from habitat loss and poaching. Photo: PMO

Located in Chakaria upazila, about 47 kilometres from Cox’s Bazar town, Dulahazara Safari Park is the country’s first safari park and one of the district’s major tourist attractions. The park features a natural habitat of hills, forests and water bodies, where hundreds of wild animals roam in open surroundings.

Two elephants salute Prime Minister Tarique Rahman (not seen in the photo) welcoming him to Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox's Bazar on Saturday. Photo: PMO

The origins of the park date back to the 1980-81 fiscal year, when the Forest Department established a deer breeding centre on 42.5 hectares of forest land. The facility was later expanded and developed into Bangladesh’s first safari park.