Govt Employee Illegally Cuts Trees Worth Tk 3.5L in Narail

Local administration has seized 35 illegally felled mahogany trees from government land in the Dighalia area of Bhadrabila Union, Narail Sadar Upazila.

Locals allege that Saif Uddin Molla, son of Billa Molla from Bogra village, illegally cut down the trees—valued at approximately Tk 3.5 lakh—over a three-day period from Friday to Sunday. While authorities seized the bulk of the timber upon receiving complaints, villagers claim Saif Uddin successfully smuggled away some of the logs before going into hiding.

The incident has sparked public criticism due to the suspect's professional background. Saif Uddin is a master-roll employee at the Gopalganj Judge Court, and his wife serves as a Judicial Magistrate at the Narail Judge Court. Residents expressed outrage that individuals closely tied to the justice system would be involved in plundering state property.

Saif Uddin remains absconding and could not be reached for comment.

Confirming the incident, Narail Sadar Assistant Commissioner (Land) K.H. Tasfiqur Rahman stated, "Upon receiving reports of illegal logging on 16 decimals of government land, I dispatched the Union Naib to the scene. The felled trees have been seized, and strict legal action is underway against those involved."