Bangladesh is taking groundbreaking action to end centuries of elephant captivity by launching an ambitious rehabilitation program that could serve as a model for conservation efforts across Asia. The government has begun retrieving privately owned elephants with the goal of returning them to their natural forest habitats, marking a significant shift away from traditional practices.

This historic initiative stems from a 2024 High Court ruling that banned wildlife cruelty and prohibited the illegal use of animals for labor or entertainment. The timing is critical for Bangladesh’s elephant population, which faces severe threats. According to government data, only 268 wild Asian elephants remain in the country’s southeastern forests, while 96 others live in captivity. These captive elephants, once used for logging and transportation, are now often exploited in markets and urban areas under harsh conditions that have resulted in deaths from heatstroke and other preventable causes.

The comprehensive rewilding project will involve surveying existing elephant populations, purchasing animals from private owners, and preparing specialized forest sites for rehabilitation. Officials are currently evaluating two potential sanctuaries—Rema-Kalenga and Chunati—as suitable locations for the program. While authorities acknowledge significant challenges ahead, including disease risks and the difficulty of restoring wild instincts in long-domesticated elephants, they remain committed to the mission.

If successful, Bangladesh’s pioneering approach could inspire other Asian nations grappling with similar conservation dilemmas, proving that it’s possible to balance cultural traditions with modern wildlife protection ethics while giving these magnificent creatures a chance to return home.