5 forest officials injured in attack allegedly led by BNP leader in Ctg

At least five officials of the Forest Department sustained injuries in an alleged attack led by a local BNP leader and his associates in Paranjorani village of Dhopachhari union in Chattogram's Chandanaish upazila yesterday (17 July) night.

The injured were identified as Sudatta Chakma, beat officer of Dhopachhari under the Chattogram South Forest Division; Forester Imon Billa; forest guards Abu Bakkar Siddique and Shuvo Islam; and patrol team leader Md Kutub.

Abdullah Al Mamun, divisional forest officer (DFO) of Chattogram South Forest Division, told The Business Standard, "Our officials were attacked while trying to stop illegal logging and timber smuggling. Five of our staff members were injured."

He alleged that Union Parishad Member Mozammel Hoque, also a local BNP leader, along with his associates, physically assaulted and detained the officials. "We later sought help from the local administration and the army, who came to the scene and rescued them."

"Legal proceedings are underway, and a case is being filed in connection with the incident," the DFO added.

According to forest officials, the team had rushed to the Dhopachhari reserve forest upon receiving information about the illegal felling and transportation of teak trees. As they arrived, a group of men allegedly attacked and confined them at the site.

Officers from the Dhopachhari police outpost later rescued the injured officials and took them to Dohazari Government Hospital for treatment.

Mozammel Hoque, however, denied the allegations, saying, "I was not present when the incident happened. I went to the scene only after hearing about it and actually tried to stop the attackers. I did not assault any forest official."

Chandanaish Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Sarwar said, "We have asked the forest officials to submit a formal complaint. Further action will be taken following an investigation."