Around 100 government-planted eucalyptus trees along a road in Sreebardi upazila of Sherpur were allegedly cut down and removed at night by a group of local people, according to residents.
The incident reportedly took place on September 15 along both sides of the Dhatuya Road in Aralekanda village under Gosairpur Union.
Local residents alleged that Mozammel Haque, Sarwar Hossain and Ershad, sons of Mecher Ali Sarkar of South Matiakuda-Aralekanda village, along with several others, cut down the trees under the cover of darkness.
The felled timber was allegedly sold to Md Samiul Haque (Sami), owner of a sawmill in the Gabtali-Tenachira Bazar area of Matiakuda, they claimed. Locals estimated the value of the trees at around Tk 500,000.
Concerned residents questioned how the alleged offenders managed to cut down and sell government trees without fear of consequences.
Following the allegations, local residents submitted a written complaint to the Sherpur Deputy Commissioner seeking an investigation and legal action against those responsible.
The district administration subsequently instructed Gosairpur Union Parishad Chairman Md Shahjamal Islam Ashik to conduct an on-site investigation.
After visiting the site, the chairman found evidence that around 100 eucalyptus trees of different sizes had been cut down, according to his report.
Following the investigation, the chairman submitted a signed report to the Sreebardi Upazila Nirbahi Officer on October 2, recommending legal action against those allegedly involved.
Local residents said the illegal felling of the government trees has not only caused financial loss to the government and posed a threat to the local environment, but could also increase the risk of damage to the important road, particularly during heavy rainfall.
They urged the authorities to conduct a proper investigation and take legal action against the actual offenders.
