Forest officials in search of suspects after deer slaughter video goes viral in Mirsharai

A video showing a few people slaughtering a deer after hunting it in the Mirsharai Economic Zone area of Chattogram has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.

The video, which circulated yesterday evening (15 April), shows three individuals slaughtering a deer with a machete in a canal, triggering concern and anger among locals.

Following the incident, officials from the Chattogram Coastal Forest Division have launched an operation to identify and apprehend the suspected poachers.

A local source said the suspects are believed to be workers of a poultry farm in Ichakhali Union of the upazila.

Mohammad Naushad, range officer of the Mirsharai Coastal Forest Division, told The Business Standard, "The incident took place yesterday morning near the Muhuri Project area, adjacent to the Mirsharai Economic Zone and close to human settlements. There are very few deer in that area now."

 "Preliminary investigation suggests the deer may have strayed into the locality from the neighbouring Noakhali range in search of food and was possibly attacked by local dogs. Taking advantage of the situation, four indigenous youths slaughtered the deer," he added.

Naushad said, "The suspects are believed to work at a local factory here. They have been on the run since the incident. We are conducting operations to arrest them, and a case is being processed in this regard."

"At one time, more than 5,000 deer inhabited the Mirsharai coastal forest. During the development of the economic zone, thousands of deer died. Currently, around 200 deer remain in the area, moving between the Mirsharai and Sitakunda forest ranges. Many fall victim to attacks by local dogs while crossing," he added.