Miscreants Uproot Saplings Planted Under Initiative of Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal in Netrokona
Photo Collected
Unidentified individuals uprooted and destroyed dozens of tree saplings planted along a road in Netrokona on Tuesday night, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The incident occurred in the Bamni area of Kalmakanda, along the Kalmakanda-Thakurakona road, affecting a project initiated by Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament and Netrokona-1 lawmaker Kaiser Kamal.
Local reports indicate that at least 25 saplings were uprooted, while several others were snapped, bringing the total number of destroyed plants to approximately 35. The saplings were part of a wider afforestation initiative launched on August 5, aligning with a government-declared tree plantation program. Thousands of forest, fruit-bearing, and medicinal saplings had been planted along a 10-kilometer stretch from the petrol pump area to Hirakanda. To protect the plants from livestock, they had been secured with bamboo fencing.
Local resident Idris Ali discovered the damaged vegetation while passing through the area on Wednesday morning. The incident was subsequently reported to local authorities by Jahirul Islam, convener of the Kalmakanda Upazila Jubo Dal, who visited the scene and characterized the act as deliberate sabotage.
Mustafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Kalmakanda Police Station, inspected the site on Wednesday morning. He stated that an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal condemned the act as a targeted and reprehensible move. He has directed law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible and ensure they face legal consequences. Additionally, he has ordered that the damaged saplings be replanted immediately.
Environmental advocates in the region expressed deep concern over the destruction. Bibhash Saha, a local resident and environmental activist, noted that the project was intended to improve the local ecosystem and provide shade for travelers. He urged those responsible to reconsider their actions, emphasizing that damaging trees planted on public land is an injustice to the community.
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