Habiganj, Oct 6 (V7N) – Nearly 50 valuable Akashmoni trees along both sides of the LGED road in Bohra Union of Madhabpur upazila have been illegally cut and removed by criminals, according to local residents. They allege that an organized theft ring has been felling and smuggling these trees at night for months, while authorities have yet to take effective action.
 
On-site inspection revealed that from Gilatoli Char Mor to Khanka Sharif and up to Chyangar Bazar, around 40 to 50 mature Akashmoni trees have been cut down. Residents claim that the thieves use electric saws at night to fell the trees and immediately transport them for sale.
 
Local resident Abdul Karim said, “Every night, 4–5 government trees are illegally taken. This plundering of state resources disrupts environmental balance. The absence of roadside shade now makes it difficult for pedestrians to walk safely.”
 
Mosharraf Hossain, acting chairman of Bohra Union Parishad, said, “We have collected the names and addresses of the suspects and submitted them to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). The UNO assured us that action will be taken. We have also filed an official complaint.”
 
Madhabpur Upazila Engineer Rezaun Nabi said, “We were unaware of this issue until now. We will promptly inform the local police station and take necessary action.”
 
UNO Zahid Bin Kasem added, “We are investigating the felling of roadside trees. Similar cases in other unions have already been addressed. Bohra Union’s case will also be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will follow.”
 
Raghunandan Range Officer Md. Ershad Hossain clarified that the felled trees were not planted by the Forest Department but were planted by a former Union Parishad chairman. “If they require support from us, we will provide it,” he added.
 
Locals estimate that in the past few months, government trees worth Tk 20 to 25 lakh have been illegally removed. They are demanding an immediate investigation and strict action against the perpetrators to protect state property and the local environment.
 
END/MMA/SMA/