A century-old banyan tree on the banks of Kapashatia Baor in Harinakundu upazila, long a sanctuary for birds and wildlife, has been converted into a commercial tree house café, displacing the natural inhabitants.
The tree, situated in Ghordah village, has been a vital part of the local ecosystem for over a hundred years. Previously, surrounded by 20 decimals of dense foliage and vines, it provided a habitat for hundreds of birds and animals.
Abir Hassan, son of Abdul Malek, recently cleared the area and constructed wooden and iron platforms around 15 feet above the ground to establish the “Brikkho Bilash Café”.
Since the cafe’s opening on 20 March, the quiet rustle of leaves and bird songs have been replaced by the din of crowds and bright colourful lights. Abandoned nests still hang from the branches as a reminder of the shalik and other birds that once thrived there.
Yunus Ali, a 70-year-old resident, recalled the tree’s history as a site for Chaitra Mela and Chaitra Sangkranti Puja. “We have seen this tree since childhood. It was once a dense thicket where civet cats, bats, and various birds nested,” he said.
The land originally belonged to the late Abdar Ali and is now owned by his sons, most of whom reside in Jhenaidah town or elsewhere.
The cafe has become a popular destination for visitors, often drawn by social media videos. Ramjan Ali, a first-year student at Jhenaidah Government Keshab Chandra College, expressed concern during a visit, “I see bird nests in the branches but no birds. Human presence has likely driven them away. The platforms will surely obstruct the tree’s natural growth”.
Local resident Sagor Ahmed highlighted the cultural significance of the tree, noting that it is the namesake of the nearby Charatala Bazar and is steeped in local legends. “This is a traditional tree of this area, and it should be preserved,” he added.
Despite the commercial activity, Abir Hasan said that “Tree House” concept does not harm the environment. However, authorities have raised legal concerns.
Munthasir Rahman, assistant director of Jhenaidah Environment Department, said cutting branches of a centenary tree is illegal. “Building platforms on the branches damages the natural habitat of wild birds and stunts the tree’s growth. We can take legal action under forest department laws,” he said, adding that he would consult relevant officials.
Zakir Hossain, acting officer of Jhenaidah Forest Department, confirmed that the matter would be reported to the upazila administration for necessary legal steps.
