The longstanding human-elephant conflict in the border areas of Sherpur shows no sign of abating, with recent incidents indicating a sharp escalation. In search of food, herds of wild elephants are descending from the hills into human settlements, destroying crops, damaging homes, and in some cases killing people by trampling or throwing them. In retaliation, local residents, struggling to protect their lives and property, have resorted to violent measures against the elephants.
Despite government and non-government initiatives aimed at fostering coexistence between humans and elephants in the hilly border areas of Jhenaigati, Sreebardi, and Nalitabari upazilas, the conflict persists. Once considered migratory from India, many elephants have now become permanent residents in Sherpur’s forests. Environmentalists and conservationists argue that establishing an elephant sanctuary in the hilly regions is essential for their protection.
According to the Mymensingh Forest Department and Sherpur Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division, between 1995 and July 5, 2025, elephant attacks in these three upazilas claimed 70 human lives and injured nearly a thousand people. In the same period, 39 elephants were killed by humans.
A decade ago, an IUCN survey recorded 120–125 elephants in Sherpur’s forests, all migratory from India. Today, the population has risen to an estimated 170–180, with forest officials reporting the birth of at least 50 calves this year alone. While researchers warn that Asian elephants are facing severe threats across Bangladesh, officials see hope in the breeding activity in the Garo Hills.
Conservation advocates stress that providing sufficient food for elephants in the hills could prevent them from entering human settlements. Officials have formed 53 Elephant Response Teams, installed approximately 30 kilometers of solar and bio-fencing, and provided compensation to victims of elephant attacks. However, a 2014 proposal to establish an elephant sanctuary in Sherpur has yet to progress.
Wildlife experts, including Professor Dr. Monirul H. Khan of Jahangirnagar University, reiterate that declaring Sherpur’s hilly regions as a sanctuary is the only viable long-term solution. Forest officials also emphasize the need to remove illegal settlements and farmland from forest areas to secure elephant habitats and ensure peaceful coexistence.
