Railway Authorities Halt Auction of Century-Old Trees in Syedpur Following Public Outcry
Railway authorities in Saidpur have suspended an auction to fell 33 century-old trees, a move that follows widespread public criticism regarding the preservation of the town’s colonial-era heritage. While officials did not provide a specific justification for the cancellation, a formal notice signed by Mohammad Tohidul Islam, the senior assistant executive engineer of Bangladesh Railway in Saidpur, cited "unavoidable circumstances" for the decision.
The auction, initially scheduled for July 12 and 14 following a July 5 public notice, has been postponed indefinitely. Railway officials confirmed that a new schedule will be announced at a later date. Copies of the suspension notice were distributed to local administrative bodies, including the office of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the municipal authority, and local press organizations.
The controversy centers on trees planted during the establishment of the historic Saidpur railway workshop in 1870. The site, once the largest facility under the Assam-Bengal Railway, served as the nucleus for a meticulously planned town designed for British officers and local laborers. Beyond the industrial infrastructure, the town featured advanced drainage systems and a unique street lighting network that predated electricity, all complemented by an extensive urban canopy that defined the area’s aesthetic and environmental character.
Railway authorities had previously categorized many of these aging trees as hazardous, prompting an effort to remove 33 of them with permission from the Department of Forestry. However, the plan triggered an immediate backlash from local residents and environmental advocates. Following reports on the matter published by Prothom Alo, many community members have urged the authorities to prioritize the preservation and maintenance of the historic trees rather than their removal, sparking a broader debate over the value of the town's living history.
