Probe Body Formed After 200 Trees Felled for Boalmari Canal Project

An investigation committee has been formed in Faridpur’s Boalmari upazila following allegations that more than 200 trees were illegally cut down under the pretext of a government canal re-excavation project.

The felling occurred last week along a two-kilometer stretch of the canal running from the Madhumati River to the Kamargram Sluice Gate in the Nadiarchand area of Gunbaha Union. The destroyed timber included 15-year-old mahogany and babla trees, planted during the 2012-13 fiscal year under the Forest Department’s social afforestation program. Over the years, these trees had formed a crucial green belt along both banks of the canal.

Locals alleged that influential individuals used political and social leverage to fell and destroy the trees without authorization. According to official regulations, no trees on government social forestry land can be cut without explicit permission from the Forest Department, and any removed timber must be placed under departmental custody.

The matter came to light after a video titled "Trees being cut in the name of canal cutting" went viral on social media, prompting administrative action.

On Sunday night, the Boalmari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) conducted a raid at the residence of Hemayetuddin, the president of the local social forestry committee and assistant headmaster of Nadiarchand High School. Authorities seized at least 60 logs and stumps from his property. Hemayetuddin has been absconding since the raid.

A four-member probe committee, led by the Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) as convener, has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee is scheduled to begin its field investigation on Saturday (May 23) to assess the exact number of illegally felled trees and recommend legal action.

Local allegations have surfaced pointing to the involvement of Gunbaha Union Parishad Chairman and Boalmari Upazila BNP President, Sirajul Islam. However, Sirajul Islam denied the allegations via a Facebook post, claiming he is only involved in the canal excavation project and has no links to the logging. He termed the allegations "politically motivated propaganda."

Upazila Forest Officer Din Mohammad Molla confirmed that the Forest Department had granted no permission to cut the trees. "While minor clearings may sometimes be required for excavation, any unauthorized logging is unacceptable," he said.

Boalmari UNO SM Rakibul Islam stated that strict action will be taken against those responsible. "No individual can claim trees from government land. Recovered timber will be auctioned, and the proceeds will be deposited into the government treasury," the UNO added.

Tariqul Islam, Divisional Forest Officer of Faridpur, echoed the sentiment, assuring that the department is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and will take immediate legal action upon receiving the investigation report.