On the Dhorola River, a fisherman caught a dolphin and wanted to sell it in the market. On the way to the market, the dolphin was seen by local youths, who bought it for Tk. 15 thousand and took it to the local market.
The mammal was still alive without water and when the local UNO, Rahedul Huq Pradhan, heard the news that it may be cut to be sold, he rushed to save it.
After coming to the market, the UNO reasoned with the local youths and ensured that the dolphin is kept in water. A hole was dug in an under construction house, plastic was placed at the bottom and filled with water. The dolphin was rejuvenated coming in touch with water.
Meanwhile, the UNO contacted Rangpur zoo.
By the time a team came, eight hours had elapsed. The team from the zoo checked the dolphin’s condition.
The drama deepened when power failed. The UNO called the Rural Electrification Board, REB, and requested fifteen minutes of power to fill the dolphin carrying car with water.
The REB kept the request and, by midnight, the water was filled and the local youths carried the mammal to the car, which began its drive to Rangpur.
Rangpur zoo deputy director, Dr. Md. Jasimuddin, said: “this is the first time we have come across such a species; we will release it into the Rangpur zoo lake.”
Our greatest achievement will be to keep it alive, he added.
A local youth who was part of the team which bought the dolphin, said: “the UNO sir came and told us that we must do everything to save the endangered mammal and we gave him our full support.”
The protagonist of the noble deed, Md Rasehdul Huq Pradhan, said: “this is a species faced with extinction; it’s our duty to save it.”
The UNO also promised to reimburse the youths who bought the mammal from the fishermen.
I thank the local youths for being rational and compassionate, he added.
On September 4, on the Dhorola River in Kurigram, a dolphin was caught by fishermen.