Korean investor critically injured in elephant attack at Chattogram’s KEPZ
A Korean investor identified as Dae Hyun Kang sustained critical injuries in an elephant attack at the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Chattogram’s Anwara upazila yesterday evening (7 September).
The attack occurred around 5:30 PM, leaving him critically injured. Kang, who lives in Chattogram city, was rescued and admitted to Apollo Imperial Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment in the Critical Care Unit (CCU).
Confirming the incident, Mushfiqur Rahman, Deputy General Manager of KEPZ, told The Business Standard that Kang had visited KEPZ to play golf.
“He was walking on the golf course after playing when an elephant suddenly emerged from the nearby forest and attacked him,” Rahman said.
“Security staff immediately rescued Kang and rushed him to the hospital. Doctors have confirmed that four of his ribs are fractured, and he has multiple injuries across his body. His condition remains critical,” Rahman added.
Dipannita Bhattacherjee, wildlife and biodiversity conservation officer of the Chattogram Forest Department, pointed out that the KEPZ was built on land that used to be the natural habitat of these elephants.
“The KEPZ authorities and local people have been requesting the relocation of the elephants, but it is not feasible to move them from their natural habitat,” she said.
She also stated that a herd of four elephants resides in the forests of Anwara and Karnaphuli.
“These elephants frequently venture into local areas, damaging crops and private properties and injuring residents. The Forest Department often has to compensate the victims of these attacks,” she said.
In response to the ongoing issue, the Forest Department has organised several awareness programs to train KEPZ security personnel to deter elephants and avoid attacks.
“We need to explore alternative solutions, such as ensuring the elephants have enough food within the forest so they don’t feel compelled to venture out,” Bhattacherjee suggested.
The situation remains tense at KEPZ as authorities work to address both the safety of its workers and the ongoing elephant encroachment.
The presence of wild elephants has become a source of concern for the workers and employees of KEPZ.
“The fear of elephant attacks is constant because it is difficult to predict from which direction the elephants will come. Over the past five years, they have caused significant damage to the greenery at KEPZ, destroying thousands of trees,” DGM of KEPZ Mushfiqur Rahman explained.
He further mentioned that the KEPZ authorities have repeatedly contacted the government to take action, offering their full cooperation in relocating the elephants.
