Govt trees illegally sold in Tungipara : Local influentials allegedly involved
BM Shamim, Tungipara (Gopalganj)
Several mahogany trees owned by the Water Development Board, located beside Munshir Char Road in Tungipara upazila of Gopalganj, were reportedly felled and sold under the cover of darkness.
According to local sources at around 2 AM on May 16, a gang of six thieves, allegedly under the protection of local influential figures, cut down the trees. When a night guard from a nearby brick kiln tried to intervene, he was threatened with traditional weapons.
Those allegedly involved in the incident include Sulaiman Farazi, son of Yunus Farazi from Gimadanga village; Turjo Molla, son of Mintu Molla (a driver); Tarikul, son of the late Syed Ali; and Miraj Sheikh and Imdad from Sreeramkandi village.
Tarikul told the media that he was called around 2 AM to participate in the tree felling, and the logs were later sold to a timber trader in Gohordanga Chourangi for 18,000 taka.
Following the incident, on the morning of May 19, local community leaders reportedly held a meeting and settled the matter informally with the accused.
UNO Moinul Haque said, we will take legal action swiftly."
The Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the Water Development Board added, "Legal steps will be taken following an investigation."
Local residents have expressed concern that such thefts are increasing due to inadequate surveillance of government property. They are demanding strict legal action against the culprits.
