25 trees felled to make school's furniture!

Logs lie on the premises of Iqbal High School in Dinajpur Sadar upazila as the school managing committee cut 25 big trees on the school ground yesterday.Photo: STAR

A school's managing committee has cut down at least 25 big trees in the school compound without any permission from district administration.
Headmaster of Dinajpur Iqbal High School Md Lokman Hakim said the committee fell the trees for making school's furniture including benches and chairs.
The managing committee of the school took the decision in April to cut down the trees, he added.
According to the locals and students of the school, authorities felled the trees closing the entrance to the school yesterday morning.
The villagers immediately protested the matter and forced the school authorities to stop further felling of trees.
The felled trees include mango, jackfruit, eucalyptus, coconut and several medicinal plants.
While visiting the spot this correspondent saw logs and timber scattered on the school compound.
Local alleged that the trees were cut down by the managing committee members for their personal gain.
Contacted, Dinajpur Sadar UNO Dhananjoy Roy said "None sought any permission from me to fell the trees."
District Education Officer Shamsul Alam said the school authorities have no right to cut down trees without any permission from DC and respective ministry.
Chairman of the school managing body did not respond to calls despite repeated attempt for his comment over cell phone.