High Court Ruling Halts Cutting of 2,000 Trees in Jhalakathi

The Jhalakathi District Administration has ordered an immediate halt to the felling of approximately 2,000 trees along the Gabkhan River following protests from environmentalists and a High Court directive.

The Forest Department had already cut down 120 valuable trees over the past week after tenders were issued for a 4-kilometer stretch in Jhalakathi Sadar Upazila. The stop-work order was officially issued on Thursday (March 12) afternoon by Deputy Commissioner Md. Momin Uddin.

The move follows a social media campaign and formal appeals by environmental activist and journalist Ismail Musafir. Senior Supreme Court lawyer and Chairman of Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), Advocate Manzil Morshed, alerted the district administration to a specific High Court verdict by Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Asif Hasan, which restricts the felling of trees without oversight from environmental experts.

"There is a High Court verdict stating that trees cannot be removed in this manner," Advocate Morshed said. "No cutting should proceed without a committee that includes environmental specialists."

The Water Development Board (WDB) requested the tree removal to facilitate a project aimed at protecting the banks of the Gabkhan River with geo-bags and blocks. Although the riverbank area spans 20 to 50 feet in some places—providing ample space for the project—the WDB plan included clearing the old road’s embankments, where thousands of trees stand.

According to Forest Department records, 1,815 trees were marked for cutting across 47 lots, valued at approximately 6 million BDT. However, internal sources suggest the actual number of trees at risk could exceed 2,350.

Local experts have raised alarms over the ecological impact. Nasir Uddin Kabir, a senior lawyer and activist, noted that the area is a sanctuary for over 100 bird species and rare reptiles, including large goshawks.

A Forest Department analysis of the first 800 trees revealed a rich variety of species . Arjun (189), Neem (39), Shishu (97), and Segun (15). Raj Karai, Tula, Jarul, and Jackfruit.

Md. Zakirul Haque Sarkar, Officer-in-Charge of the Jhalakathi District Forest Department, confirmed that all activities have ceased. "We only proceeded after the WDB pressed for eighteen months. As foresters, we value these trees most, but we were following committee decisions. Now, not a single branch will be cut without permission."

District Commissioner Md. Momin Uddin added, "This High Court verdict was not in place when the initial decision was made. I have now ordered a complete halt. A final decision will be reached in the next committee meeting."