The Forest Department has rescued 32 turtles of the rare Sundhi species during an operation at Charfasson Bazar in Bhola. The rescued turtles were later released in a safe environment.

The operation was conducted at around 8:00pm on Saturday (August 22) based on a tip-off. It was carried out under the direction of Charfasson Range Officer Abdus Salam and led by Upazila Acting Forest Officer Nasim Al Khusbu.

During the operation, 32 Sundhi turtles were found confined inside plastic drums and rescued. The turtles were subsequently released at the pond premises of the Charfasson Range Office at around 10:00am on Sunday (August 23).

Charfasson Range Officer Abdus Salam said, “We have received information that endangered turtles have been trafficked from several locations in Charfasson Upazila for a long time. The Forest Department remains vigilant on the matter.”

He further said that under Bangladesh’s Wildlife Conservation and Security Act 2026, hunting, trading and trafficking of turtles are prohibited. Despite this, domestic and foreign smugglers continue to illegally hunt and traffic endangered turtle species.

He also said that Forest Department operations against turtle trafficking and to protect wildlife will continue.