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Published : 03 Jun 2026, 10:48 AM
Authorities have decided to remove the crocodile from the Hazarat Khan Jahan Ali shrine pond in Bagerhat after a child was killed in an attack by the reptile.
The animal will initially be kept under the custody of the Forest Department.
The decision came at an emergency meeting on the shrine's overall security and management held at the deputy commissioner's (DC) conference room on Tuesday night, said Bagerhat DC Golam Md Baten, who also heads the shrine management committee.
Caretakers of the shrine, journalists, government officials, local residents and representatives of madrasa teachers attended the meeting presided over by the district administrator.
Participants agreed that the crocodile should be moved to a safer location.
Earlier on Monday night, an 8-year-old, identified only as Fatema, was killed after being attacked by the only crocodile in the shrine pond.
The child had gone down to the women’s bathing ghat to wash or bathe when the reptile dragged her into the water.
Her body surfaced the following dawn and was recovered.
Authorities said the decision was taken as part of efforts to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The DC said the shrine attracts visitors who come to see the crocodile and many local people depend on tourism linked to it, but the animal would still be removed from the pond for now.
"Human safety comes first. One life has already been lost. If we fail to prevent another tragedy, we will also be answerable under the law.”
He said the crocodile would be kept in a secure location for the time being and later brought back after a protected enclosure is built in the shrine pond with guidance from experts.
"We will also ensure the crocodile remains healthy. For now, it will stay under the Forest Department's care," Baten added.
He also questioned future safety risks, saying there is no guarantee another incident will not occur if preventive measures are not taken.
Officials at the meeting said the incident had deeply affected everyone and stressed the need to ensure visitor safety while preserving the historical significance of the shrine.
They added that steps must be taken to prevent any future attacks while maintaining the site’s heritage value.
