Authorities Intercept 900+ Turtles in Dhaka Airport Smuggling Bust

On October 28, 2025, authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, intercepted a large-scale wildlife smuggling attempt. The smuggler, identified as Mohammad Shaukat Ali Bhuiyan, was caught trying to transport 145 star tortoises and 780 Indian roofed turtles to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

When airport staff detected the presence of the turtles in Bhuiyan's luggage, he attempted to flee the scene. However, he was quickly apprehended, and various government agencies, including the Forest Department, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Department, and airport security, were called in to handle the situation.

The rescued turtles have since been placed under the custody of Bangladesh's Forest Department. Authorities have filed a case against Bhuiyan, and efforts are underway to arrest him for this serious offense.

Illegal wildlife trafficking poses one of the most significant threats to biodiversity worldwide, second only to habitat destruction. Animals subjected to such trafficking often endure inhumane transport conditions and end up in unsuitable environments, disrupting local ecosystems. Experts estimate that these illicit activities cost governments over $400 billion annually in environmental and economic impacts.

Enforcing strict regulations and increasing protections for endangered species are crucial to deterring wildlife smuggling and mitigating its long-term consequences. The successful interception in Dhaka demonstrates the importance of vigilance and coordinated efforts to combat this global crisis.