September 18, 2026

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Dhaka's elephant alms-seekers divide opinions

Elephants wandering the streets of Dhaka to solicit alms from shopkeepers and commuters is a familiar sight. While some view this practice as a form of extortion, others perceive it simply as begging.

The Wildlife Act forbids individuals from taking care of elephants on their own and using them for any kind of labour without a licence.
The Wildlife Act forbids individuals from taking care of elephants on their own and using them for any kind of labour without a licence.
The practice of using elephants to solicit alms is viewed by some as 'extortion', while others label it as begging.
The practice of using elephants to solicit alms is viewed by some as 'extortion', while others label it as begging.
An elephant raises its trunk and toys with food bags outside a store in Dhaka’s South Keraniganj. The rider insists on staying put until receiving alms.
An elephant raises its trunk and toys with food bags outside a store in Dhaka’s South Keraniganj. The rider insists on staying put until receiving alms.
Elephants often draw crowds on the streets of Dhaka, especially children, who are eager to catch a glimpse. Some even try to reach out and touch the elephant's trunk.
Elephants often draw crowds on the streets of Dhaka, especially children, who are eager to catch a glimpse. Some even try to reach out and touch the elephant's trunk.
An elephant is spotted drinking water from a plastic bowl on a footpath in Dhaka’s South Keraniganj.
An elephant is spotted drinking water from a plastic bowl on a footpath in Dhaka’s South Keraniganj.

bdnews24.com News Service

Published : 29 Dec 2023, 07:27 PM

Updated : 29 Dec 2023, 07:27 PM

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