Rajshahi, July 14 (V7N)- In the Belpukur area of Puthia, Rajshahi, allegations have surfaced against a UP member for cutting down a government tree without permission. Shafiqul Islam, the member of the concerned ward, reportedly cut down a large koroi tree from the bank of Raypara Pond and sold it without approval from the District Council.
 
Local sources reveal that Shafiqul Islam has been farming on a pond and land owned by the District Council in Raypara for a long time under a tender. Based on this connection, he allegedly cut down the tree and sold it.
 
According to the complaint, Shafiqul Islam cut and sold a koroi tree from the bank of Raypara Pond in the 9th ward of Belpukur Union without official approval. The tree was approximately 60 inches in circumference and 15 feet tall, with an estimated value of 50,000 Taka.
 
In response to the allegations, UP member Shafiqul Islam stated, "We plant trees, we do not cut them down. The person who made the complaint has a personal conflict with me and is spreading false accusations. As public representatives, we work for the people. I did not cut or sell any trees belonging to the District Council. If there is any photo or video footage proving that I cut the tree, they should show it to me."
 
Asaduzzaman Masud, the 9th ward member of the Rajshahi District Council, commented, "I am currently in Dhaka. My office has informed me about this issue. Since I am in Dhaka, I cannot provide any further details at this moment."
 
Alif Hossain, the surveyor of the Rajshahi District Council, confirmed, "We have received a complaint regarding this matter. I visited the site in response to the complaint and found evidence that the tree had indeed been cut down. Whether Shafiqul Islam or someone else is responsible for cutting the tree is still under investigation. Appropriate actions will be taken after the investigation is complete."
 
END/MRM/SMA/