13 ancient trees being felled in Rajshahi

A worker cuts down an ancient tree in Rajshahi Town Protection Embankment area yesterday. An influential person is behind the felling of a number of trees, an act that poses a threat to the embankment. PHOTO: STAR

The trees include 12 Babla, 3 Shimul, 2 Mehgani and a Koroi tree.

The trees offered a solace for tourists visiting the left bank of the river Padma.

Felling of these trees might have an impact on the environment and cause havoc to the embankment, said experts at Water Development Board (WDB).

Khandakar Joinal Abedin Dulal claimed the trees belong to him and that he does not need the permission of the government because he also owns the land.

The place is usually treated as VIP zone as it is near the residences of Rajshahi divisional commissioner, deputy commissioner, police superintendent, civil surgeon and Rajshahi divisional DIG prison.

However, no resistance from police or WDB was seen at the scene, local people said.

The labourers involved in felling of the trees told that police came but returned as Joinal Abedin intervened.

WDB sources said, the matter is out of their control as ruling party men are involved in it.

Joinal Abedin Dulal said, he inherited the land and so he possesses the right to fell the trees.