Fifty Bakul trees chopped off on highway divider

At least 50 Bakul trees lined up along the about 500 meters of Dhaka-Chittagong highway divider have been cut down in the Beltoli area of ​​​​Cumilla Sadar Dakshin Upazila.

Some trees have been chopped off from the base, some along the middle, and some trees have been set on fire and then cut down.

The Roads and Highways (RHD) department had planted these trees on the divider to enhance the beauty of the highway and so that the light from the headlights of the two lanes does not obstruct each other.

Local resident Abdul Quddus complained: "Such beautiful Bakul trees are now being cut down and fruit trees and vegetables are being planted on the divider."

Md. Azmir Hossain, who owns a makeshift tea shop in front of the children's hospital in the area, admitted that he himself cut down these trees.

He said: "The trees are of no use. That's why I cut them down. Now I am planting banana, jackfruit, mango and papaya trees here. People will get fruits and vegetables."

However, some local residents said that Azmir has been cutting down the trees little by little for the past few days, setting some trees on fire and drying them and using them as firewood.

Abu Mohammad Naeem, founder and doctor of the Cumilla Gardeners Society, expressed his anger and said: "For months, the trees have been being cut down step by step. The beauty and ecological importance of the Bakul trees were great. Strict action should be taken against those responsible."

According to sources in the society, after the highway was upgraded to four lanes in 2016, more than 50,000 flower trees and more than 40,000 fruit and other trees were planted as part of beautification along about 192 kilometers from Daudkandi to Chittagong City Gate. The Beltoli area was decorated with Bakul trees.

It was seen on the spot that there are no trees in an area of ​​about 300 meters in front of the hospital - instead, banana, jackfruit, mango seedlings and various vegetables have been planted.

Local resident Mahbub Alam said: "Where we need to plant trees, trees are being cut down. We want punishment for those responsible."

After the matter was brought to the attention of the Roads and Highways Department, Cumilla Sub-Divisional Engineer Md. Adnan Ibne Hasan said: "The scene has been inspected. A complaint will be filed with the police station in this regard and necessary measures will be taken to protect the trees. Cutting down trees like this way is in no way acceptable."