Alleged unusual tree smuggling attempt foiled at Chittagong University
The seized Segun and Gamari logs were estimated to be worth around Tk2 to Tk2.5 lakh.
Members of the security force at Chittagong University (CU) have seized 76 trees while thwarting an alleged attempt to smuggle them from the university area.
The trees were recovered on Wednesday (4 February) from a hilly stream adjacent to the university's Botanical Garden. The seized Segun and Gamari logs were estimated to be worth around Tk2 to Tk2.5 lakh.
On Wednesday, a student named Md Mithu Islam uploaded a video to a Facebook group titled Chittagong University Family. The video showed a large number of tree logs being floated away through a stream behind the Botanical Garden area.
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After the matter came to light, members of the university's security force immediately launched an operation at the site. However, nothing was found there initially. The security team then searched nearly one kilometre upstream based on clues from the video.
Later, a total of 76 pieces of Segun and Gamari tree logs were seized in scattered condition from a stream behind a bamboo grove adjacent to the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences.
Security officials suspect that smugglers had constructed an artificial dam upstream to store water before releasing it to create a strong current that allegedly carried the logs downstream. The method was reportedly used to avoid transportation difficulties and to move the timber discreetly.
The university's Security Department Supervisor Shahedul Islam said, "After seeing the video on Facebook, we immediately began an operation. Advancing nearly two kilometres, we recovered 76 pieces of logs. Following instructions from the administration, night patrols have been strengthened. The university authorities will take legal action later."
Chittagong University Proctor Prof Hossain Shaid Shohrowardhy said, "The actual owners of the logs have not yet been identified. The logs have been seized, and security personnel have been deployed at the site."
"The logs appear to have come from outside the university, and permission from the Forest Department is required to cut them. If no specific owner and clearance documents are found, the seized logs will be auctioned following a meeting with the auction committee," he added.
