Locals foil illegal tree felling bid

Locals foiled an illegal tree felling bid at bordering Sarkertari village in Sadar upazila of the district yesterday.

In the last two days, at least 200 trees beside BGB Camp-Jogitari, Jogitari-Sarkertari, Sarkertari-Materpar and Materpar-Tempo Stand roads in the area were felled illegally in presence of Saiful Islam, secretary of Mogholhat Union Parishad, its member Majibur Rahman and Badal Mia, a village policeman, alleged locals.

“Like previous days, the village cop and the UP member were trying to fell four roadside trees illegally at Sarkertari yesterday noon after seeking permission from Saiful Islam verbally,” said Mazidul Islam, 35, a resident of the village. 

Being informed, the villagers rushed to the spot and foiled the illegal tree felling bid, he said.

“Earlier, the trio felled several roadside trees at four villages in the union in the last couple of weeks showing reason that those were damaged by tornado,” said another villager, Ashraf Ali.

The villagers have already informed the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) about the matter, said Rafiqul Islam of Mogholhat village.

Contacted, the village cop declined to make any comment in this regard without taking permission from UP Chairman Habibur Rahman.

Refuting the allegation, UP member Majibur Rahman blamed the village cop and the UP secretary for the offence.

Despite several attempts, this correspondent could not reach the chairman for his comment as his cellphone remained switched off.

UP secretary Saiful Islam said, they felled some 25 to 30 roadside trees as those were damaged by the recent tornado.

The felled roadside trees were stored in the union parishad and those would be sold soon in an auction, Saiful said, adding that he was not aware about yesterday's roadside tree felling.

UNO Shafiqul Islam said punitive action would be taken against those responsible for the offence after investigating the matter.