The Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Cox’s Bazar district chapter, has submitted a memorandum to the Environment and Forest Affairs Adviser through the Deputy Commissioner, demanding the eviction of illegal establishments on the Bakkhali River and the return of 51 acres of encroached forest land to the Forest Department.
The memorandum was submitted on Wednesday (April 16). It urges immediate and effective action to protect the river and the surrounding hills from further environmental degradation.
BAPA Cox’s Bazar President and journalist H.M. Ershad, General Secretary Karim Ullah Kalim, and other members of the organization were present at the time.
BAPA leaders stated that illegal structures obstructing the natural flow of the Bakkhali River and the destruction of hills for land grabbing pose a severe threat to the local environment. They called for urgent intervention by the authorities and legal measures to prevent further damage.
They further emphasized that the 51 acres of hill land, already cleared and occupied, must be returned to the Forest Department. Reforestation programs should be initiated immediately to restore ecological balance and ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
