A Union Parishad (UP) member and his associates have been accused of illegally cutting down over a hundred trees from both sides of an irrigation canal under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) in Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah district. Following the incident, the BWDB authorities have lodged a formal complaint at the local police station, naming two individuals as accused.
The principal accused, Shariful Islam, is a ward member of Joradah Union Parishad. According to BWDB officials and local sources, the incident concerns the S-3 irrigation canal stretching from Satbri Bridge to Harishpur, covering approximately 2.6 kilometres. The canal had recently been included in a repair and maintenance project, for which tenders were invited in February, and work orders were issued on 11 March.
Over the years, the canal embankments had developed a range of plantation trees, including rain tree, shishu, jambul, silk cotton (shimul), and jackfruit trees. Locals allege that Shariful Islam, along with a timber trader named Fazlur Rahman and several others, felled and removed these trees over the course of several days.
A police complaint states that between 50 and 60 trees were illegally cut, while local political figures claim the number may exceed 200 within a one-kilometre stretch. The estimated value of the damaged trees has been placed at around 150,000 Bangladeshi taka. However, eyewitness accounts suggest that the scale of destruction may be significantly higher.
During a recent site visit, large numbers of freshly cut tree trunks and scattered branches were observed along both sides of the canal. Locals reported that the cutting had continued uninterrupted for three to four days, leaving the embankment visibly stripped of vegetation.
Summary of Key Details
| Category |
Information |
| Location |
S-3 Irrigation Canal, Harinakundu, Jhenaidah |
| Managing Authority |
Bangladesh Water Development Board |
| Accused |
Shariful Islam (UP Member), Fazlur Rahman (Timber Trader) |
| Alleged Activity |
Illegal felling of canal-side trees |
| Estimated Number of Trees |
50–60 (official complaint), up to 200 (local claim) |
| Estimated Value |
Around 150,000 BDT |
| Tree Types |
Rain tree, shishu, shimul, jackfruit and others |
| Action Taken |
Complaint filed with Harinakundu Police Station |
Leaders from the local political opposition stated that the tree felling was carried out openly without any formal auction or approval process. They further alleged that the operation was conducted using force, disregarding administrative procedures.
In response, Shariful Islam denied the allegations, claiming that the trees were privately owned and had been sold to him by the individuals who originally planted them. He maintained that the cutting was lawful and part of a commercial timber transaction.
BWDB Sub-Assistant Engineer Minhazul Islam rejected this claim, stating that the irrigation canal and its surrounding assets fall under government jurisdiction. He emphasised that no individual has the legal authority to damage or remove such public resources without official approval.
Upazila Executive Officer (acting) Syedzadi Mahbuba Manzur Mauna confirmed that a complaint had been submitted by BWDB and assured that appropriate legal measures would be taken against those responsible.
Harinakundu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Kibria Hasan stated that the matter is under investigation and legal action will be taken based on findings.
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