Python came from shop of Kantabon market

The university authorities yesterday handed over the python to the wildlife officer of forest department.

Earlier the Dhaka Zoo authorities refused to receive the python saying that they have a number of pythons.

Sujauddin Ahmed, president of DU Market Association, told The Daily Star that python is not generally sold from their market.

He however said some shops might sell snakes secretly.

Meanwhile, experts have ruled out the possibility of living pythons' staying in the DU areas.

"Pythons are found only in the Sundarbans, Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet areas," said Prof Nurjahan Sarkar.

Wild animals including snakes, langur, and rare birds are secretly sold in Kantabon market on a very large scale, she said, adding that the authorities are reluctant to take any action in this regard.

Meanwhile, panic spread among the students of DU dormitories after the python appeared on the Zia Hall premises at around 6:00pm on Friday.

Students said they saw different types of snakes on the vegetable gardens adjacent to Zia Hall and Suryasen Hall, in the pond adjacent to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall and Kobi Jasimuddin Hall.

Students caught at least five snakes in last several months.

A snake jumped into a room from a tree attached to the Suryasen Hall building about five months back. A snake also bit a student of Sergeant Jahurul Haque Hall eight months ago.

Snakes usually come out during the summer season from the adjacent bush near Zia Hall and Jasimuddin Hall, students said.