A honey collector, locally known as a moual, was injured in a tiger attack while harvesting honey in the Sundarbans on Sunday morning.
The victim was identified as Babul Gazi, 48, son of Malek Gazi from Dumuria village in Gabura, Satkhira.
The attack occurred around 8am on Sunday in Payratuni Khal area of West Sundarbans. Fellow honey collectors brought him back to the locality by boat around 7am on Monday.
Local sources and returning collectors reported that Babul was part of a group led by Yusuf Gazi. As they were harvesting honey from a tree, a Royal Bengal Tiger suddenly emerged from the bushes and pounced on him. His companions managed to drive the tiger away by shouting and wielding sticks.
After rescuing the seriously injured Babul, the group set off for the mainland. Upon reaching Nilndumur Ghat in Shyamnagar on Monday morning, he was given primary treatment before being admitted to Satkhira Medical College Hospital.
Recounting the ordeal, the victim’s father, Malek Gazi, who was present at the scene, said, “We were harvesting honey together when the tiger suddenly attacked my son. We fought the tiger and managed to bring him back. By the grace of Allah, he is still alive”.
Forest Department official Irfan Hossain said they learned of the incident on Monday morning and are currently looking into the matter.
