76 Indian flapshell turtles rescued before trafficking from Subarnachar

The Wildlife Crime Control Unit of the Forest Department has rescued 76 Indian flapshell turtles kept in Noakhali’s Subarnachar Upazila allegedly for trafficking.

During preliminary questioning, the people involved said the turtles were intended to be sent to different districts across the country for their meat. Preparations had also been made to transport some of them to Dhaka’s Uttara, said the unit’s Wildlife Inspector Asim Mallik.

The operation began at around 11:30pm yesterday (29 October) in Char Amanullah area of Subarnachar and concluded around 1:30am today (30 October).

Asim told The Business Standard that the raid was conducted based on confidential information received by the Wildlife Crime Control Unit at its Agargaon office in Dhaka, with assistance from Animal Rights BD 64 Noakhali and environmental organisation Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association (BAWA).

The operation identified local residents Rony Das and Bacha Chandra Das as allegedly being involved in the turtle trade.

Asim added that no previous record of involvement in wildlife-related offences had initially been found against the individuals concerned. “They said they had started this business as a new venture. However, we are making further inquiries about them. Legal action will be taken if evidence of their involvement emerges during the investigation.”

The wildlife inspector said the 76 rescued Indian flapshell turtles had been brought to Dhaka and would be released at a suitable location soon.

BAWA Convener Adnan Azad told TBS that these native turtle species were being captured and traded for consumption, seriously damaging aquatic environments and underwater ecosystems.

“Turtles play an important role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. They help keep the environment clean by eating the carcasses of fish and other aquatic animals before they decompose and spread pollution in the water, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of rivers and other water bodies,” he said.