Tiger crossing from India injures three in Lalmonirhat's Hatibandha, hiding in farmland

Three people have been injured in an attack by a tiger that crossed the border into Hatibandha upazila in Lalmonirhat. The injured were sent to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for treatment.

The incident took place on Sunday, October 25, at around 4 pm in the Bonchouki border area of Gotamari union in Hatibandha upazila. The administration, the Forest Department and local residents believe the tiger entered Bangladesh from India across the border.

An officer of BGB Battalion 15 confirmed that the tiger from India entered Bangladesh at a place called Amjhol under the Bonchouki BOP in Hatibandha police station area of Lalmonirhat district. The tiger then injured three people. The Forest Department was contacted through the district administration, and BGB patrols are under way at the scene.

Anisur Rahman, the acting officer of the Lalmonirhat district Forest Department, said they have no logistical support or personnel. He said he had spoken to the divisional forest officer for logistical support and that a team would come. They do not know where the tiger is now, but it may be in nearby paddy fields, he said, adding that it may be a medium-sized tiger.

Hatibandha Upazila Health Officer Dr Shariful Amin said one of the injured went directly to Rangpur. Two others were sent to Rangpur Medical College Hospital after primary treatment. Sharifa Begum, 30, has a large bite on the right side of her head as well as scratches on her hand. Afsar Ali, 54, has a wound at the back of his waist.

Hatibandha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dipjan Mitra said the Forest Department's logistical support team has set out. It is hoped the tiger will be rescued at night using a tranquilizer and in compliance with wildlife law. The farmland where the tiger is believed to be is near a BGB camp, and announcements are being made repeatedly by loudspeaker in coordination with the BGB and the union parishad.