5 injured in attack while recovering grabbed forest lands

At least five people, including a Forest Department officer, were injured in an attack allegedly carried out by locals while recovering grabbed forest lands in Savar today.

The incident occurred around 3:30pm in the Chhota Kaliakair area of Savar's Birulia union, according to Shahidul Hasan Shakil, assistant conservator of forests (Kaliakoir Range).

Shakil told The Daily Star that a local influential and his associates were attempting to illegally occupy a large area of forest department land by erecting signboards and fences.

Upon receiving the information, Forester Md Mahidur Rahman and a team of forest guards went to the spot and began removing the signboards. At that point, a group of 10 to 15 people allegedly attacked them, injuring five of them.

The injured are: Forester Md Mahidur Rahman, forest guards Shahidullah Kaiser, Bazlur Rahman Bepari, Alauddin, and gardener Bappi Hossain.

All five were taken to Savar Upazila Health Complex. Forester Mahidur was later referred to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

"We will file a case over the incident," said Shakil.

Md Jewel Mia, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, confirmed that a police team visited the site after receiving information about the attack.

"Legal action will be taken against those involved," he said.