Two employees of the Forest Department were injured in an attack while trying to block illegal sand extraction and smuggling in the Garo Hills area of Jhenaigati, Sherpur.
Abdul Karim, deputy ranger of Rangtia Range, confirmed the incident on Wednesday.
The injured are Salehin Nawaz Khan, 28, beat officer of Rangtia Range, and Ziaul Islam, 30, a forest guard.
Forest Department and local sources said that around 5:30am officials raided the Jhenaigati Zero Point area after reports of sand being smuggled in a vehicle. They seized the vehicle and handed several suspects to police.
In retaliation, unknown assailants attacked Salehin and Ziaul in the Nakshi area around 9:30pm. Locals rescued them and admitted them to Jhenaigati Upazila Health Complex before they were moved to Sherpur District Sadar Hospital.
Local sources said that Farhad, brother of Jhenaigati Upazila BNP Joint General Secretary Abdul Mannan, and his son have long led a syndicate involved in illegal sand extraction and transport from the Garo Hills.
When contacted, Farhad denied the allegations, saying neither he nor his son was present during the attack and claimed they were being falsely implicated.
Deputy Ranger Abdul said Forest Department operations against illegal sand extraction in the area are ongoing and legal action is being prepared.
Jhenaigati Police Station Officer‑in‑Charge Md Amirul Islam said a written complaint has not yet been received. “Once a complaint is filed, necessary legal action will be taken following investigation,” he added.
