50 mahogany trees cut in Patuakhali

Locals seized two cartloads of valuable mahogany logs as the wood, got from cutting the upper halves of over 50 mahogany trees on Patuakhali Polytechnic Institute campus, was being sent for sale on Saturday evening.

The institute authorities planted a good number of trees including mahogany for beautification of the campus area.

As some branches of trees fell on the electric lines, the institute authorities asked a few woodcutters to cut down the branches. But woodcutters cut upper halves of 50 mahogany trees.

They took the logs on two carts. As they were crossing the main gate some local men challenged them and the woodcutters fled, leaving the carts.

Engineer Hasan Md Kamruzzaman, principal of the institute, said he was on leave and learnt about the matter when he returned.

Steps against the perpetrators will be taken after proper investigation, he said.