Sohel Kanti Nath, Bandarban 

Despite multiple crackdowns by the administration, the rampant illegal hill-cutting continues unabated in Bandarban, posing a serious threat of landslides ahead of the monsoon season and causing irreparable harm to the natural environment.

Locals allege that under various pretexts—both necessary and unnecessary—so-called "hill grabbers" are relentlessly destroying the landscape. This time, Nazim Uddin, a local BNP leader, has been accused of orchestrating illegal hill cutting with complete disregard for the authorities. According to residents, the operation continues day and night, unchecked.

An on-site investigation revealed that excavators are being used to illegally cut hills in areas such as Bakichhara, Balaghata Charui Para, Lemujhiri, and Thoingya Para under Bandarban Sadar Upazila. Nazim Uddin, along with his associates—Monir, Faruk, and Jasim—reportedly heads the syndicate responsible. Large quantities of soil are being transported daily by 10–15 dump trucks to fill the site of the Bandarban 132/33 KV (GIS) grid substation construction project.

Transporting soil during drizzles has turned surrounding roads into mud pits, severely disrupting daily life. Residents, including students, face difficulties commuting due to the slippery and muddy conditions. Thoingya Para local Thwikya Marma said, “They are cutting hills right next to our school using excavators during broad daylight. The roads are covered in mud now, and students are struggling to get to school. It’s dangerous—they could slip and get injured anytime.”

Another local, who requested anonymity, said, “These BNP people are openly cutting hills. The administration says nothing. What can we do? Even if we protest, they won’t listen. At this rate, the hills will turn into flatlands. We want this to stop immediately.”

In response to the allegations, Jubo Dal leader Nazim Uddin admitted, “Yes, all the sites where the hills are being cut belong to me. We are using the soil to fill the land for the 132/33 KV GIS grid substation project.”

Meanwhile, Bandarban Sadar UNO  Marufa Sultana Khan Hiramoni has visited the site. She said, “After receiving reports of illegal hill cutting in the Balaghata area, we came here with the Department of Environment. However, we did not find anyone actively cutting hills at the scene. An investigation is ongoing, and legal action will be taken against those involved.”

Uncontrolled hill cutting has already resulted in annual landslides in the region, often claiming lives. Over the past decade, more than 105 people have died in landslides in Bandarban alone. Yet, despite the risks and past tragedies, illegal hill cutting shows no sign of slowing down.