Man jailed for 6 months for illegal hill cutting in Bandarban

A mobile court in Lama Upazila of Bandarban has sentenced a man to six months’ simple imprisonment for illegally cutting hills nearly 10 acres of land in violation of environmental laws. The convicted person, Lokman Hossain, was caught red-handed during a drive conducted by the Lama Upazila administration on Tuesday (May 19) noon.

Lokman Hossain is the son of Saleh Ahmed of Satkania Upazila in Chattogram. He had been living in the Yangcha Bazar area of Fashiyakhali in Lama.

According to local sources, reports were recently published in the media alleging that Lokman Hossain had illegally cut and levelled a large hill and filled up a natural hill stream in the Bashkhailla Jiri area under Fashiyakhali union. Earlier, local resident Md Osman Gani had also filed a written complaint with the Department of Environment regarding the matter.

The issue drew widespread criticism on social media and among environmental activists after media reports surfaced, prompting administrative attention.

Following the reports, a team led by Lama Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Md Moin Uddin conducted a sudden drive in the Bashkhailla Jiri area on Tuesday afternoon.

During the drive, authorities found evidence of hill-cutting activities involving around 12 to 15 workers. While the main accused Lokman Hossain was arrested on the spot, the workers were released after receiving warnings.

Confirming the matter, Executive Magistrate Md Moin Uddin said Lokman Hossain was detained for causing irreparable environmental damage in violation of the law.

He said the accused was sentenced under Sections 6(b) and 15(1), Serial No. 5 of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, after the charges were proven.

The court later ordered that he be sent to jail to serve six months’ simple imprisonment.

The executive magistrate also said such strict monitoring and drives against environmental destruction would continue in the future.