A jhum farmer was seriously injured in a bear attack in the Chimbuk Hill area of Ghalangya union under Ruma upazila of Bandarban today (31 October).
The injured, identified as Kaing Pre Mro, 34, son of Ruichong Mro, is a resident of Ruif Para in Ward-4 of the union.
According to Menrat Mro, chairman of Ghalangya Union Parishad, the attack occurred around noon while Kaing Pre was cutting banana stalks in his jhum garden at Ruif Para.
"Hearing his screams, locals rushed to the spot, rescued him and sent him to Bandarban Sadar Hospital," Menrat said, adding that villagers suspect bear cubs may be present in the area, which could have made the animal aggressive.
"The man sustained serious injuries to his eyes and face," he said.
Dr Dilip Chowdhury, resident medical officer at Bandarban Sadar Hospital, said Kaing Pre received primary treatment there and was later referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced care due to the severity of his injuries.