Habiganj, Sept 12 (V7N) – A case has been filed in court against four forest department officials and employees over allegations of illegal tree felling in Satchari National Park and Telmachhara Forest. The case was lodged on Thursday by Mujahid Masi, convener of the voluntary wildlife organization, Pakhi Premik Society, at the Senior Judicial Magistrate Court in Habiganj.

After a lengthy hearing, Magistrate Muhammad Shahedul Alam accepted the case and instructed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) Habiganj to conduct a probe. The case has been registered under CR No. 745/25, with a directive to submit the investigation report by December 12.

The accused are: Mamunur Rashid, Range Officer of Satchari Forest; Noor Mohammad, Junior Wildlife Scout; Mehedi Hasan, Telmachhara Beat Officer; and Forest Guard Suman Biswas.

According to the charge sheet, on March 2, March 20, and August 9, large quantities of valuable timber, including Segun trees, were illegally cut and sold from Satchari and Telmachhara beats. Additional allegations include wildlife trafficking, aiding poachers, selling forest fruits that threaten wildlife food sources, and embezzling revenue collected from forest entry tickets.

Lawyer and Press Club leader Shah Fakhruzzaman stated, “Illegal felling of valuable forest trees has been ongoing for a long time. This case has been filed in the public interest, and we will pursue justice to the fullest extent.”

Contacted for comment, Abul Kalam, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department in Sylhet, said, “We are also investigating the matter. Those found guilty should be held accountable.”

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