Allegations have emerged that government trees were sold through a “secret auction” in Kurigram Sadar, with the highest bidder claiming he was unaware of when and where the bidding took place.
Residents have accused Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ariful Islam of conducting the auction privately from his office instead of the designated site, raising questions over transparency and compliance with rules.
The auction was linked to clearing trees for a new building at the Kathalbari Union land office.
According to official documents, a meeting was called on 23 February to approve the felling of 21 trees, including mahogany, mango and jackfruit, citing urgent construction needs.
A public notice later set the auction venue at the Kathalbari Union land office premises.
However, locals alleged the auction was held on March 15 at the assistant commissioner’s office in Kurigram town, two days before Eid holidays, without any public announcement through miking.
They said only three bidders participated, and the trees were sold to Nur Alam for Tk1,12,000.
“The auction did not take place at the announced location, and we did not hear any public announcement,” said a local market committee leader.
Another resident, Sadekul Islam Milon, alleged irregular pricing and collusion, claiming the trees were sold at a higher value than the official rate through undisclosed arrangements.
Fresh concerns have also been raised over the number of trees felled.
While documents mention 21 trees, locals claim up to 28 trees were cut, with several large and medium-sized trees removed during the Eid holidays without officials present.
Union Land Assistant Officer Manjurul Islam confirmed that no officials were present during the felling.
Kurigram Sadar Upazila Sub-Assistant Engineer Jul Jalal said additional trees were cut to accommodate the project layout with approval from the assistant commissioner.
“Although 21 trees were listed, one or two more were cut as needed for the layout, and more may be required as construction progresses,” he said.
Nur Alam, named as the highest bidder, said he did not attend the auction.
“I do not know when or where the auction took place. I heard my uncle participated on my behalf,” he said.
In response, Assistant Commissioner Ariful Islam denied irregularities, saying the process was expedited to improve services at the land office.
“The office has long been neglected, and we needed to act quickly to begin construction,” he said.
He also said the auction involved 21 trees, adding that “one or two small trees may have been cut additionally”.
Kurigram Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ismail Hossain, who chaired the auction committee, said the process followed rules.
He said the venue was shifted to the land office due to potential disturbances from locals at the original site.
Residents have called for a formal investigation into the auction process and the number of trees felled, alleging lack of transparency and possible irregularities.
