The gharial, found early Sunday by a group of fishermen in Manikganj, was released in the river Padma at the district’s Shivalaya upazila yesterday.
Conservator of Forests Tapan Kumar Dey released the 2.5-foot gharial, after collecting its blood sample for DNA test.
Wildlife expert Anisuzzaman Khan, executive director of Prokriti O Jibon Foundation and forest department officials were present during the release of the rare reptile.
Fishermen and other local people had flocked to the scene.
Tapan Kumar Dey gave Tk 1,000 to fisherman Haren Halder in appreciation of keeping the gharial alive.
Haren Halder of Purba Balikanda village along with six others found the gharial while fishing in the Padma.
Tapan urged all the fishermen not to kill any gharial, as it is one of the most endangered reptile species of the world.
