The district administration has shifted the crocodile from the pond adjacent to the historic Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali shrine in Bagerhat to the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre in the Sundarbans.

The decision was taken during an emergency meeting held late Tuesday night to ensure the safety of local and foreign visitors, as well as devotees visiting the shrine. The meeting, held at the Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner’s conference room at 10:00 pm on Tuesday, was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Golam Mohammad Baten.

The meeting was attended by officials from various departments, including the district administration, police administration, and the Forest Department.

Following the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Golam Mohammad Baten stated that the safety of visitors to the shrine area had been prioritized with the utmost importance after the recent tragic incident.

‘After reviewing the situation, it has been decided to transfer the crocodile from the pond to the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre. At the same time, initiatives have been taken to strengthen security measures and increase surveillance in the shrine area,’ he said.

Eight-year-old Fatema Akhter was attacked by the crocodile while taking a bath in the pond adjacent to the shrine at around 8:00pm on Monday. According to eyewitnesses, the crocodile grabbed the child’s leg and dragged her underwater. Her body was later recovered from the women’s ghat area of the shrine pond early Tuesday.

Following this heartbreaking incident, concern spread among local residents, visitors, and devotees, who demanded that security be strengthened in the shrine area and that the crocodile be removed immediately. Considering the panic and safety risks generated in the public mind, the district administration decided to relocate the crocodile.

The residents of Bagerhat have welcomed the district administration’s prompt and critical decision.