Felling of the ancient banyan at Madaripur: What fault was it of the tree?

It happened on the fifth of this month, a Monday morning, around 9 o'clock. Around 200 locals began cutting down an old banyan tree in the village of Alammir's Kandi, within the Shirkhara Union of Madaripur. 

The reason? Locals believed the tree possessed supernatural powers and would light candles at its base to make vows or offerings. However, several religious leaders condemned these acts as shirk (a form of idolatry), sparking a frenzy to fell the tree to cut the tree down.

Once footage of the felling spread on social media, it sparked nationwide criticism. Eventually, the upazila administration intervened and halted the process. But by then, a large portion of the tree had already been destroyed.

"It's a beautiful old tree by the river. Some would find refuge under it, others would make vows or offer food. Now a group has declared these acts heretical, so the tree had to go," said Abul Kalam Azad, a member of the Shirkhara Union Parishad.

"But what fault was the tree's? Why was it punished?" asked Professor Dr Anwarul Islam, former head of the Department of Zoology at Dhaka University.

He continued, "The banyan is not just a tree—it is part of our cultural heritage. Under its canopy, markets, fairs, and festivals are held. Think of the banyan at Dhaka University—it is intimately connected to our history of resistance. The Six-Point and Eleven-Point movements of the 1960s, the mass uprising of 1969, and the first hoisting of the national flag in 1971—all are associated with that tree". 

According to the academic, the banyan tree spreads so widely, it is as if it becomes a forest unto itself. There is something deeply human about surrendering to grandeur, and the banyan has always provided that shelter.

Naturalist Mokarram Hossain echoed this sentiment, adding, "Religion has always spoken of peace, not compulsion. Schooling can play a vital role here. In Bengal, the banyan has a sacred status. Its scientific name—Ficus benghalensis—marks this region as its native home. A banyan tree can live for up to 500 years. It supports the lives of 15 to 20 species, including birds, butterflies, insects, and bats, all of whom feed on its fruit. If we cut down such a tree, where will those creatures go? How will they survive?"

It's said that the largest banyan tree in Asia is located in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah. Known as the "World Banyan," it spans 2.33 hectares, with 45 subsidiary trunks, 345 roots grounded in the earth, and 38 still hanging. Estimated to be between 200 to 250 years old, it has witnessed the Sepoy Rebellion, both World Wars, Partition, famines, and the Liberation War. In times of disaster, countless people have sought refuge under it. 

"Trees existed on Earth before any animal. All life, in a way, follows trees. The banyan is like an oasis; it offers solace to all. Humans may claim to be the superior species, but that comes with responsibility—to sustain life. Think about it: when no other tree has leaves, the banyan still does," further observed Dr Islam.

This reverence was once echoed in the actions of Md Nurul Haque, the Deputy Commissioner of Chapainawabganj from 2000 to 2003. 

He issued a notice: "This is to inform the general public that the tamarind tree located on Khatian No. 01 (one), Hal Dag No. 502 (five hundred and two) in Shurla Mouza of Nezamupur Union, Nachol Upazila, Chapai Nawabganj District, is extremely old. According to experts, its age is at least 500 years. 

This tree is very important from an ecological, biological, social, and environmental perspective and is preserved as a monumental ancient tree. The general public is requested to ensure the proper conservation of the tree. It is further informed that causing damage to any part of the tree, or throwing stones or arrows at the birds, birds' nests, birds' eggs/chicks or any other animal existing in the tree, will be considered a punishable offence under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) (Amendment) Ordinance, 1974."

When footage depicting the felling of the ancient Banyan tree spread on social media, it sparked nationwide criticism. Photo: Collected

In 2024, Bangladesh introduced a new Tree Felling Act outlining strict rules and penalties. It states that trees are essential to nature, biodiversity, and human survival. 

The act aims to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. One of its key provisions requires individuals to obtain permission from the local Forest Department before felling any large or old trees on private land. Violation of this can result in fines ranging from Tk10,000 to Tk50,000 and up to one year of imprisonment. Depending on the environmental damage, the punishment may be more severe.

Now, to return to the banyan in Shirkhara: the tree's supposed owner, Sattar Hawladar, claimed that he sold it to a local madrasa—the Baitus Sunnat Cadet Madrasa of Srinadi—to make space for a new house. He stated that due to the high cost of cutting such a massive tree, few were interested in buying it. 

Eventually, he sold it for a nominal amount. However, the claim has raised doubts among locals. The tree stood on the banks of the Kumar River, far from residential areas, making it unlikely that he would build a home there.

In response, a committee led by Madaripur's District Forest Officer Jahangir Alam has been formed to investigate the incident. If any legal action is deemed necessary after reviewing the report, steps will be taken, said Wadia Shabab, the Executive Officer of Sadar Upazila.

But the real reason we must speak about this is to prevent the destruction of ancient trees. Trees offer shelter to all—humans, birds, and animals alike. We must not turn them into enemies with excuses and justifications.