30 mahogany trees cut for road expansion in Rajshahi

Thirty mahogany trees have been cut down for road expansion work in Rajshahi city, sparking anger among local residents and environmental activists.

The trees had lined one side of the road from Rajib Chattar to Ghoshpara Mor via Kolabagan, providing shade and beauty. The trees were cut over three days from Thursday to Saturday, April 18.

Rajshahi City Corporation had planted approximately 70 mahogany trees in various areas as part of beautification efforts around 2010. Over the past 16 years, the trees had grown large and had begun bearing fruit. Later, after a flyover was constructed in the area, the trees were removed citing the need for road expansion.

Locals said there is not much traffic pressure in the area, so cutting down trees to widen the road was not justified.

The head of the tree-cutting labourers, Md Gazi, said eight labourers worked for three days to cut the trees. A businessman named Salahuddin purchased the trees from the city corporation.

City Corporation Executive Engineer (Development) Mahmudur Rahman said the trees were sold following regulations based on a valuation by the forest department.

He said that after the flyover was built, the width of one side of the road decreased to less than 3.5 metres, so the trees were cut for road expansion. Additionally, footpaths will be built over drains, and new trees will be planted alongside the footpaths.

However, environmentalists are not satisfied with this explanation. Atikur Rahman, president of the Varendra Youth Forum, said the assurance of planting new trees is merely for show. Development is possible while preserving trees, but engineers lack that mindset. He described the decision as self-destructive.