A joint operation by the upazila administration, Forest Department and police seized machinery, equipment and timber from six unlicensed sawmills in Pekua upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Thursday.
Officials conducted the raids separately in Charapara Bazar, Pekua Sadar Union, and near the Taitong Union Parishad office on October 15. Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mohammad Anisul Islam led the operation.
According to the upazila administration and Forest Department, two of the sawmills raided in Charapara Bazar belonged to Nurul Alam, while another was owned by Akhtar Ahmed. Three more sawmills were raided near the Taitong Union Parishad office.
Authorities alleged that the sawmills had been cutting garjan and other timber species for a long time. The allegations said some of the timber was collected illegally.
During the operation, officials seized the sawmills’ machinery, various equipment, and stored timber. The owners and workers reportedly left the premises after learning about the raids.
The seized materials were subsequently placed in the custody of the Forest Department’s range officer.
Mohammad Anisul Islam said the authorities had found no valid documents for the six sawmills.
“Machinery, various equipment and timber were seized after raids on six sawmills. The relevant sawmills could not produce valid documents during the operation. The seized materials have been kept in the custody of the Forest Department’s range officer. The process of taking legal action in this connection is under way,” he said.
He added that joint operations by the upazila administration and the Forest Department would continue to protect forest resources and prevent illegal tree felling.
Khalequzzaman, Barbakia range officer, and Abdul Motalib Momin, Taitong forest beat officer, took part in the operation alongside other Forest Department officials and employees and members of Pekua police.
Pekua Correspondent
Photo: Courtesy
