A large dead dolphin was found washed up at Sugandha Point on Cox’s Bazar beach on Saturday morning. Lifeguards discovered the marine mammal in a semi-decomposed state during a routine patrol.
Cox’s Bazar South Forest Department Divisional Forest Officer Abdullah Al Mamun confirmed the incident.
According to on-duty lifeguard Zoynal Abedin Bhuttu, the dolphin measured more than six feet in length.
“We spotted the dolphin during our morning patrol and it appeared to have died several days earlier as parts of the body had already begun to rot,” he said, adding that the Forest Department and local administration were immediately informed.
Local residents suspect the animal may be a rare Irrawaddy dolphin, a species commonly found in the shallow coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal.
Environmental organisation Dharitri Rakshai Amra Cox’s Bazar Convener Fazlul Quader Chowdhury said the dolphin may have died after becoming entangled in fishing nets or being struck by a ship’s propeller.
“It is estimated that the dolphin died three to four days ago and was later carried ashore by ocean currents,” he said.
He also warned that illegal fishing nets, overfishing and growing maritime traffic are increasing threats to marine biodiversity in the Bay of Bengal and contributing to the deaths of dolphins and other marine species.
The discovery of the carcass drew large numbers of curious tourists and local residents to the beach throughout the day.
