Shyamnagar (Satkhira) Correspondent:
A beekeeper named Bablu Gazi (48) was seriously injured in a tiger attack while collecting honey in the Pairatuni canal in the Kachikata area of the Satkhira range of the Sundarbans. He is the son of Malek Gazi of Dumuria village in Gabura union of Shyamnagar upazila.
Local sources and returning beekeepers learned that at around 8 am on Sunday, a group of beekeepers led by Majhi Yusuf Gazi went to extract honey in the Pairatuni canal area of the Sundarbans. Suddenly, a Royal Bengal tiger came out from behind the bushes and attacked him.
When the other beekeepers with him came forward with shouts and sticks, the tiger moved away. Later, Bablu Gazi was rescued in a seriously injured condition and was first given first aid in the area adjacent to the forest. Later, he was rushed to Satkhira Sadar Hospital.
The injured man’s father, Malek Gazi, said, “We went out to extract honey together. Suddenly, a tiger came and attacked my son. By the grace of God, he is still alive.”
Relatives of the injured Bablu Gazi said that he has deep wounds in several places on his body. He is currently undergoing treatment at Satkhira Sadar Hospital. The returning honey collectors said that they have to work at risk of their lives while extracting honey in the Sundarbans. They earn their living by living in fear of tigers.
Forest department officials said that although instructions have been given to follow safety measures while entering the Sundarbans, accidents like tiger attacks do happen occasionally. They also said that inquiries are being made about the treatment of the injured honey collector.