140 trees cut down at Shibganj cemetery

Miscreants cut down 140 mahogany trees at a cemetery in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj under the cover of darkness on Wednesday night, sparking anger among local residents.

The incident took place at Azgabi Hajipara Central Cemetery in Shyampur Union. The trees had been planted only three months ago as part of an initiative to maintain environmental balance and enhance the beauty of the cemetery.

Locals said the cemetery, established in 2015, had 168 mahogany trees planted in its vacant areas. The trees had been carefully nurtured and were growing well. However, 140 of them were cut down during the night.

Shyampur Union Parishad Chairman Rabiul Islam said the government was encouraging people to plant more trees.

“It is extremely sad that so many trees planted at a cemetery have been cut down at such a time. I demand that those involved be identified through a proper investigation and brought under the law,” he said.

Shibganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Motiur Rahman said he had heard about the incident verbally.”If we receive a written complaint, the matter will be investigated and legal action will be taken against those involved,” he said.

Local residents discovered the trees lying cut down on Thursday morning and informed the cemetery committee. They alleged that the trees had been felled in a planned manner and demanded that those responsible be identified through a proper investigation and given exemplary punishment.

Mubin Mia, general secretary of the cemetery committee, said cutting down trees at a public cemetery under the cover of darkness was extremely wrong and unfortunate.

“I strongly urge the administration to quickly identify those responsible and bring them under the law,” he said.

Locals and cemetery committee members suspect that the incident may be linked to a previous dispute over the use of the land. They said local people used to play sports at the site before sporting activities were stopped and trees were planted there.

They suspect that someone may have cut down the trees out of resentment over the decision. However, no definite information has yet emerged about who was behind the incident.