A dead whale weighing about one and a half tonnes has washed ashore along the coast of Kutubdia in Cox’s Bazar’s Sagar Dwip upazila.
The whale, which drifted onto the beach five days ago, was initially buried in the sand, but parts of it have reappeared as the tide washed the sand away. The decomposing carcass has created a foul smell, causing discomfort for nearby residents and visitors.
Locals said the whale washed up on the western beach of South Dhurung union on March 7. News of the incident drew curious crowds, many of whom took photos and shared them on social media.
Later on March 8, the UP authorities used excavation equipment to dig a pit and bury the whale. The UP Chairman Alauddin Al Azad said, “Due to the strong tide, sand shifted and parts of the whale became visible again from Monday morning.”
“By Thursday morning, even larger portions had surfaced. The whale’s decay has spread an unbearable stench throughout the area. We have contacted the relevant authorities to rebury it quickly.”
Abul Kashem, general secretary of the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Kutubdia branch, said, “It is rare for such a large dead whale to wash up on Kutubdia’s coast. The cause of death needs to be investigated.”
Residents complained that by Friday evening, no officials from the forest department, fisheries department, environment department, or upazila administration had visited the site, sparking anger locally.
Kutubdia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) was recently promoted and transferred, while the assistant commissioner (land) is on leave. As an island upazila, Kutubdia has no permanent officials from the environment or forest departments. A few coastal forest workers are tasked with protecting mangroves, but no effective steps have yet been taken regarding the whale.
Khondkar Mahmud Pasha, deputy director of the Department of Environment’s Cox’s Bazar office, said, “The cause of the whale’s death is still unknown. As it is a remote area, we have no permanent officials there. However, we are coordinating with relevant departments to rebury the whale in the sand.”
Zainal Abedin, general secretary of the Kutubdia Upazila Fishing Boat Owners’ Association, said, “Beyond the stench, there is a risk of germs spreading from the decaying whale, which could pose a public health hazard.”
About a year and a half ago, two dead whales weighing around three tonnes washed ashore at Cox’s Bazar’s Dariyanagar and Himchhari beaches. At that time, the district administration and forest department jointly used excavation equipment to dig deep pits and bury them. But in Kutubdia, bringing in heavy machinery is difficult, making swift action more complicated.
