An Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader in Amtali of Barguna has been accused of cutting down more than 100 fruit trees planted on Water Development Board (WDB) land and attempting to occupy the property.
Md Kamruzzaman, president of the party’s Amtali municipal unit and its nominated mayoral candidate, allegedly cut down the trees with the help of his associates on Monday morning in the Old Launch Ghat area of Amtali municipality.
Md Abdur Rashid Khan, who planted the trees, filed a written complaint with the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) on Monday afternoon, attaching photographs of the felled trees and the alleged land occupation.
According to WDB sources, Rashid Khan planted more than 100 fruit trees, including mango, blackberry and jackfruit, on two decimals of unused WDB land in the Old Launch Ghat area under Polder 43/1 around 26 years ago.
Rashid Khan said he planted the trees in 2000 on the unused land beside his house but never constructed any permanent or temporary structures there.
“The fruits were enjoyed by me, nearby residents and WDB employees,” he said.
He alleged that Kamruzzaman had been trying to occupy the land and construct a structure there for several days.
“I informed the WDB about the matter. After the board warned him, he became angry and cut down the trees,” Rashid Khan alleged.
He said he had subsequently submitted written complaints to the WDB and the UNO.
However, Kamruzzaman denied the allegations, saying he had no involvement in the tree-cutting.
“I know nothing about the matter. A false complaint has been filed against me,” he said.
Amtali UNO Hasan Md Hafizur Rahman said he had received a written complaint and would take action after an investigation.
Barguna WDB Executive Engineer Hannan Pradhan also confirmed receiving a written complaint over the felling of the fruit trees and alleged occupation of the land.
He said the matter would be investigated and warned that legal action would be taken if anyone attempted to illegally occupy WDB property.
