50 trees cut down in Patuakhali; local AL leaders blamed

At least 50 government owned trees planted on both sides of a road have been cut down at Dhulia in Patuakhali's Baufal upazila.

Dhulia Union Parishad Chairman Anichur Rahman lodged a written complaint with the upazila engineer of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) on April 24.

The UP chairman in a written complaint said Dhulia union Jubo League Vice-president Shoaib, Dhulia ward Awami League General Secretary Shahidul Islam and AL activist Harun Hawlader cut down these trees from a strip of road stretching from Verantala Bazar to Chaumohani in the area. The trees are worth about Tk 10 lakh.

Different species of trees were planted by the LGED around 15-16 years ago on both sides of the road. The trees have grown and have helped beautify the road.

Denying the allegations, Shoaib said, "We do not know who cut the trees."

The other accused, Shahidul and Harun, also denied the allegation.

Baufal Upazila LGED Engineer Sultan Ahmed said, "After receiving the complaint of the UP chairman, I have instructed the officer-in-charge of local police station to investigate the incident and asked him to submit a report."

Action will be taken after receiving the report, he added.