Embankment trees allegedly cut for vehicle access

Sr Staff Reporter, Kishoreganj :

Mitamoin BNP President Zahidul Alam Jahangir has been accused of cutting down at least 20 mahogany trees planted on an embankment to prevent river erosion in Kamalpur area of Mithamoin haor upazila of Kishoreganj. Locals have alleged that these trees have been cut down in stages since August 5 to make way for private vehicles. The latest time was on February 21 when 18 to 20 trees were cut down at once.

Locals said that Ex -President Abdul Hamid, when he was a member of parliament, took the initiative to plant trees on this embankment to prevent river erosion. These trees have been playing an important role in protecting the environment and the embankment for a long time.

Locals claim that Jahangir cut down the trees using an electric saw as there was a problem with vehicles entering the house. The estimated market value of each tree tk. 25,000 to 30,000 . Several people, who did not want to be named, also said that no one dares to speak out in public because the accused is influential.

However, denying the allegations, Jahidul Alam Jahangir claimed that the trees are not government trees and the embankment is not acquired. He said that he was not involved in the cutting of trees and said that the locals had cut the trees from their own places. According to him, these allegations are baseless and he has no involvement in this matter.