In Jhenaidah’s Harinakundu upazila, allegations have emerged that a Union Parishad (UP) member, along with associates, illegally felled and removed more than a hundred trees from both sides of an irrigation canal under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). Following the incident, the authorities have lodged a complaint at the local police station naming two individuals as accused.
The accused, Shariful Islam, is a member of Ward No. 9 under Joradah Union. According to the BWDB and local sources, the incident relates to the S-3A irrigation canal stretching from Satbridge to Harishpur, covering approximately 2.6 kilometres. A maintenance and repair contract for this section was invited through tender in February, and the work order was issued on 11 March.
The canal embankments had long been lined with various timber and fruit-bearing trees, including rain trees, sissoo, jackfruit, and shimul. Locals and officials allege that over the past few days, Shariful Islam, together with a timber trader identified as Fazlur Rahman and several others, cut down and removed a significant number of these trees.
However, accounts differ regarding the exact scale of the damage. The FIR filed with the police states that approximately 50 to 60 trees were cut, while local political figures claim the number may exceed 200 trees along a one-kilometre stretch. The estimated monetary value of the felled trees has been put at around 150,000 Bangladeshi taka.
A visit to the site on Friday revealed clear signs of extensive cutting activity. Numerous small and medium-sized trees had been felled along both sides of the canal, with branches and logs scattered across the embankments. Locals reported that the cutting had continued for around three to four consecutive days.
A local political representative, Sajedur Rahman Roni, president of the Joradah Union BNP, stated that the trees were removed openly under the leadership of the UP member, without any formal auction or authorisation process. He further claimed that a large number of trees were taken from at least one kilometre of the canal embankment.
The accused UP member, Shariful Islam, has rejected the allegations. He claims that he is involved in the timber business and that the trees in question were privately owned and had been sold to him by those who originally planted them. On this basis, he maintains that their removal was lawful.
BWDB officials, however, have disputed this explanation. Deputy Assistant Engineer Minhazul Islam stated that the canal and its adjoining assets fall under the jurisdiction of the Water Development Board, and no individual or group has the authority to damage or remove such resources without permission. He confirmed that the trees were cut down unlawfully and that a case has been filed at the local police station.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (acting) Syedjadi Mahbuba Manjur Mauna also confirmed that a formal complaint has been submitted by BWDB seeking legal action against those involved.
Harinakundu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Kibria Hasan stated that the matter is under investigation and that appropriate legal measures will be taken based on findings.
Summary of Key Allegations and Claims
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | S-3A irrigation canal, Satbridge–Harishpur (2.6 km) |
| Accused | Shariful Islam (UP member), Fazlur Rahman (trader) |
| Alleged activity | Cutting and removal of canal-side trees |
| Reported quantity | 50–60 trees (police complaint) / up to 200 trees (local claim) |
| Estimated value | Around BDT 150,000 |
| Authority position | BWDB states trees are state property and removal is unauthorised |
| Current status | Complaint filed; investigation ongoing |
The incident has raised concerns regarding the protection of public assets and the enforcement of regulations governing government-owned land and infrastructure.