<i>What an excuse for felling roadside trees!</i>
Remains of trunks bear testimony to felling of 24 large trees on both sides of Kalapara-Londa road in Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district on Tuesday, allegedly by local Awami League men. Photo: STAR
A group of people allegedly belonging to ruling Awami League (AL) in Tiakhali union of Kalapara upazila under the district have cut 24 large roadside trees that had been planted by the local Muktijoddha Sangsad. Some 20-25 people led by one Khalilur Rahman cut at least 24 trees including mahogany, rain tree, and acacia from about half a kilometre long area on both sides of the road from Badurtali Badghat to Hazibari on Tuesday, eyewitnesses said. During the tree felling from morning to noon, local people saw the matter but nobody dared to prevent the perpetrators as they are ruling party men. Kalapara upazila unit of Muktijoddha Sangsad planted those trees around 30 years ago and the upazila parishad had been maintaining the trees. When contacted, Khalilur Rahman said, "We have planned to build a house of Sheikh Russel Smrity Sangsad, named after Shaheed [martyred] Sheikh Russel, youngest brother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. For this reason we cut only six trees from the roadside." However, another local resident also cut some trees from the same road which were in front of his house, he added. "We have heard the news. We will visit the spot and inform the upazila administration of the matter in writing," said Md Bodiuzzaman, commander of upazila Muktijoddha Sangsad. Khondokar Yakub Ali, upazila forest officer, said, "Muktijoddha Sangsad planted the trees and these are their asset. None can cut such roadside trees without permission from the upazila administration that maintains the trees." When contacted, Md Jahangir Hossain, upazila nirbahi officer of Kalapara, said, "If anybody submits complaint to us in this regard we will take lawful action after proper investigation."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments