Around 30 birds electrocuted at Benapole port

Around 30 birds have died after being electrocuted inside high-mast light poles at Benapole Port Cargo Yard Terminal, allegedly due to faulty electrical design and engineering negligence.

Although one or two dead birds had reportedly been spotted near the lighting structures over the past few days, the issue drew wider attention only yesterday evening when the lock of an electrical connection box beneath a high-mast light pole was opened, revealing 30 to 35 dead birds inside.

Subsequent inspections showed that similar exposed electrical conditions exist at almost every high-mast light pole across the port premises.

Benapole Land Port Director Shamim Hossain said he had been informed of the incident by the port staff.

“The matter is important. I will send a letter to Dhaka regarding the issue today,” he told The Daily Star.

Eyewitnesses said the birds were likely doves. At night, attracted by the intense lighting and seeking shelter from the cold, the birds entered the hollow sections of the poles.

Contacted, Sharsha Upazila Forest Officer Md Yunus Ali said his office was not aware of the matter beforehand.

“The birds died due to high voltage. The port authorities should have exercised more caution,” he said, warning that repeated risks to wildlife were being created due to engineering negligence and that accountability could not be avoided.

Local trader Babulur Rahman said, “According to standard regulations, high-mast lighting systems must have secured electrical covers and proper insulation. That was clearly not followed here. The birds were electrocuted after coming into contact with exposed and poorly insulated electrical connections inside,” he said.

Eyewitnesses and locals reiterated that the same hazardous conditions exist across nearly all lamp posts inside the port area, citing the absence of mandatory safety features such as protective casings, insulation, and wildlife-friendly designs.