The red-eared slider is banned for import in several countries due to its destructive ecological impact as when released into local water bodies, it rapidly multiplies and outcompetes native species, disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
An invasive turtle is seen with different cartoon figures painted on its shell for visual appeal at the Disney Plus Indoor Playground in Dhaka on 9 October 2025. Photo: TBS
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An invasive turtle is seen with different cartoon figures painted on its shell for visual appeal at the Disney Plus Indoor Playground in Dhaka on 9 October 2025. Photo: TBS
The Forest Department’s Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) has seized 50 red-eared slider turtles that were illegally imported from China and sold to children here after their shells were painted for aesthetic appeal.
The invasive species was confiscated during a raid yesterday evening (9 October) at the Disney Plus Indoor Playground in Dhaka. Officials confirmed that the establishment had been importing the turtles without the mandatory permission from the forest department and selling them for Tk600 each after allegedly painting their shells to make them more appealing to children.
Some of the confiscated invasive turtles with painted shells at the Disney Plus Indoor Playground in Dhaka on 9 October 2025. Photo: TBS
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Some of the confiscated invasive turtles with painted shells at the Disney Plus Indoor Playground in Dhaka on 9 October 2025. Photo: TBS
Wildlife Inspector Abdullah As Sadique emphasised the severe ecological threat posed by the species saying, “This species is extremely harmful to Bangladesh’s ecosystem.”
“The red-eared slider is an invasive species that competes with native turtles for food and habitat, posing a serious threat to local biodiversity.”
The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), native to North America, is banned for import in several countries due to its destructive ecological impact. When released into local water bodies, the species rapidly multiplies and outcompetes native species, disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
Officials of the Bangladesh Forest Department seizing the turtles from the Disney Plus Indoor Playground in Dhaka on 9 October 2025. Photo: TBS
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Officials of the Bangladesh Forest Department seizing the turtles from the Disney Plus Indoor Playground in Dhaka on 9 October 2025. Photo: TBS
WCCU stated that legal action will be taken against the playground for violating wildlife protection and import regulations. Authorities have urged pet sellers and the public to refrain from trading or keeping invasive wildlife species and to report any illegal sales immediately to the Bangladesh Forest Department.