Upazila admin, Forest Dept at loggerheads over possession of govt land in Cox’s Bazar

Tensions have erupted between the local administration in Ramu upazila of Cox's Bazar and the office of the Forest Department due to a dispute centring on possession of government land in the upazila.

The conflict arose between the two parties when the Forest Department yesterday (24 July) demolished part of a public toilet leased out previously by the upazila.

Local Union Parishad Member Shafiqul Islam Sohel told The Business Standard that a public toilet near Himchhari Bazar is leased out by the Ramu upazila administration every year. Today (25 July), the Forest Department demolished some portions of the toilet to clear the land for construction of an entrance to Himchhari Waterfall, a popular tourist attraction.

On information, the assistant commissioner (AC, Land) went to the spot and asked for an explanation from the Forest Department officials as to why parts of the public toilet were demolished.

In response, Forest Department officials claimed that the land on which the toilet was constructed is under the jurisdiction of the department, said the UP member.

However, as the AC Land was not convinced by the explanation, in a counter move, establishments on some government land located next to the Forest Department's training centre, Nisarga – on the north side of the waterfall – were reportedly vandalised.

As the news of the vandalism spread, the relevant Forest Department officer visited the spot. His presence, however, led to a scuffle between officials of the department and the AC Land, a video of which has gone viral on social media.

Talking to TBS, Md Habibul Haque, range officer of Himchhari Range, Forest Department, claimed that the land where the public toilet operates, fall under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. "Some portion of the facility [toilet] was demolished to construct a gate for Himchhari Waterfall."

Md Nurul Islam, officer of the Forest Department, South Region, alleged that the department has incurred losses as the AC Land carried out vandalism on the department's land.

He said the incident has been reported to senior management, and the deputy commissioner is looking into the matter.

Ramu Upazila AC Land Md Sazzad Jahid Ratul could not be reached for his comments despite several attempts made from TBS.

However, Ramu Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Rashedul Islam said it was just a misunderstanding between the Forest Department and the AC Land that triggered the feud.

The UNO added that on information, he visited the spot and resolved the matter.