An insurance official named Alhaj Ashraf Ali Shah (50) has been accused of cutting down four palm trees from a government rural road in Bhangura upazila, Pabna. The incident has triggered extreme anger and concern among the local residents, who have demanded strict legal action against those involved in felling the trees.
The incident took place in the Pach Betuan village under Dilpashar union of the upazila.
The accused, Ashraf, is the son of the late Shahidul Shah from Pach Betuan village. He is employed as a cashier at Islami Life Insurance Company in Rangpur.
During an on-site visit on Sunday afternoon, it was observed that there is a row of 10 palm trees alongside the Pach Betuan-Baowanjan rural road in the upazila. Nearby, four small and large palm trees were seen cut down and left lying on the ground, with heights measuring approximately 10 to 12 feet.
According to sources, about 15 years ago, Anwar Hossain Shah of Pach Betuan village had planted 14 palm trees along the Pach Betuan-Baowanjan road (used for movement through agricultural fields). Recently, Ashraf Ali came home on leave and hired people to cut down four small and large palm trees.
Read nextElderly Man Dies and Woman Injured in Bee Attack in Roumari, KurigramLocal farmers stated that the palm trees served as a symbol of safety for the people of the area by mitigating the risk of lightning strikes. Every year, many people die from lightning in this region. At a time when the government is taking initiatives to plant more trees, cutting down trees in this manner is completely unjustified, they remarked, expressing extreme disappointment over the felling of the trees.
Attempts were made to contact the accused, Ashraf Ali, multiple times via his mobile phone to inquire about the tree-felling, but he did not receive the call.
Upazila Forest Conservation Officer (Additional Charge) G.M. Shafiuzzaman stated that there is no provision to cut down any trees from government land without permission from the forest department. However, subsequent action will be taken if the concerned road department lodges a formal complaint, he added.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Suraiya Momtaz said that the matter is deeply unfortunate. However, the issue will be investigated and necessary measures will be taken, she assured.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Manik Hossain, Bhangura (Pabna) Correspondent: • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
