Smuggled timber, fuel woods worth Tk 23 lakh seized

In a joint raid at Eidgha Bazar and its adjoining areas in Cox's Bazar sadar upazila on January 3, BDR members and forest department officials seized 1700 square foot of timber and 2200 square foot of fuel woods stolen from government forests.

Besides, they demolished an illegal sawmills in the area which had long been engaged in cutting timber stolen from forests, said a press release.

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Earlier in December, the forest staffs seized 2900 square foot of timber and 2700 square foot of fuel woods. They also seized two trucks, three boats, three jeeps and other modes of vehicles.

A notorious timber thief Abdul Quader was arrested from Rivong area under Fashiakhali, and an illegal arms recovered from his possession.

Forest guards in Chittagong south region recovered 858 square foot of timber, 550 square foot of fuel woods, 146 pieces of timber doors, one pickup van, and two trucks in past two weeks. They also arrested three notorious timber thieves.

Forest staffs of Bandarban region, seized 250 square foot of timber and a truck. They also arrested a notorious criminal for his involvement in timber smuggling on January 3.

Talking to The Daily Star, Environment and Forest Minister Tariqul Islam said his ministry has given top priority to check smuggling of forest resources.

Task forces have been formed and instructions given to the armed forces, BDR, police and intelligence agencies to combat the timber smuggling along with forest staffs, he added.

The minister said a number of forest officials have been suspended on charges of their involvement in timber smuggling, and their service will be terminated if found guilty after departmental inquiry.