ZAKIR HOSSAIN, FROM SOLANGA:
 
Allegations have surfaced that various species of government-owned trees along the connecting road from Chara Bottola to Betua in Sirajganj’s Solanga upazila were illegally felled and sold.
 
Local residents claim that, while a powerful local syndicate stated the revenue from the tree sales has given to a local mosque’s development fund, they allegedly embezzled the major portion of the money.
 
According to locals, the market value of the felled eucalyptus trees is estimated between Tk 5 lakh to Tk 6 lakh. The incident has sparked widespread anger and discussion in the area, with conscious citizens demanding a neutral investigation and legal action against those involved.
 
Local Allegations and Sequence of Events
Led by accused individuals Shamim Akond and Alhaj Momtaz Pramanik, a large number of trees on both sides of the Chara Bottola-Betua road were cut down and sold to local timber traders Ahmad and Amirul. Upon discovering the felling, locals informed the Dhubil Union Land Office.
 
Acting on the tip-off, relevant land office officials rushed to the spot and seized the cut logs. Later, members of the syndicate took the trees away after giving a verbal commitment that the sales proceeds would be spent on mosque development. However, allegations persist that the syndicate handed over only a nominal amount to the mosque committee while embezzling the rest.
 
Statements from Local Representatives and Stakeholders
Lebu Talukdar, Convener of the Ramkrishnapur Union Swechchhasebak Dal, said, “Trees worth about Tk 5 lakh to Tk 6 lakh from the Chara Bottola market to Betua road have been cut down and sold. Although the land office ‘Nayeb’ seized the trees, the accused took them away under the pretext of donating to the mosque. Handing over a paltry sum to the mosque committee while pocketing the rest is highly unfortunate. I demand urgent administrative intervention.”
 
Abdur Razzaq, a former union parishad member and the original planter of those trees, stated that he had planted them along the roadside, though he was unaware of who cut them down without permission.
 
Local UP Member Chhanwar acknowledged that the trees were cut for the mosque, but refused to comment on whether any legal permission was obtained from the concerned authorities.
 
Accused timber trader Ahmad Ali claimed he purchased the trees from the mosque committee. He further claimed that UP members and land office officials mediated the matter, before abruptly disconnecting the call while threatening against any further escalation.
 
Meanwhile, another accused, Shamim Reza, denied all allegations against him, stating, “I am not involved in this incident. A faction is spreading false and motivated propaganda against me due to political positioning and internal BNP feuds.”
 
Administration’s Stance
Commenting on the matter, Raiganj Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Roushan Kabir said, “The matter is being looked into. Necessary legal action will be taken promptly in this regard after consulting with the respective union land officer.”