Authorities filed a forest case after media exposure revealed mass mangrove destruction and land grabbing in Cox’s Bazar to build a shrimp enclosure on government coastal land for aquaculture expansion.
A case has been filed with the Cox’s Bazar Forest Court over the illegal felling of around 5,000 mangrove trees in the coastal area of Chowfaldandi, where nearly 20 acres of government land were cleared to establish a shrimp enclosure.
The case was lodged on Sunday by Mrinal Chandra Bhawal, beat officer of the Pokkhali Range under the Coastal Forest Division. Six individuals have been named as accused, all residents of Chowfaldandi Union in Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila, in south-eastern Bangladesh.
The accused are Mohammad Shahjahan, Abul Kashem, Mohammad Shahjahan (member), Mohammad Alam, Jasim alias Mia and Shamsul Alam.
The incident came to light after a photo feature report titled “5,000 Bain and Keora trees cut to build shrimp enclosure with help of forest officials” was published in a national daily on January 1. Following the publication, the adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change instructed authorities to take immediate legal action.
Confirming the development, Coastal Forest Division Chattogram’s Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) M A Hasan said, “After the matter drew the attention of the ministry, we were directed to proceed with legal measures. The case has now been filed and further action will follow.”
According to local residents, tree cutting and land grabbing began earlier this month to facilitate shrimp cultivation. “From last Sunday, large numbers of mangrove trees were cut openly to occupy government land,” said Shamsun Subah Sabrin, district coordinator of YouthNet Global in Cox’s Bazar.
Several locals alleged that the operation was led by a land-grabbing syndicate headed by Mohammad Shahjahan, Abul Kashem and Shahjahan Member, who are locally known as political financiers. “They acted with confidence, believing no one would stop them,” one resident said, requesting anonymity.
Forest officials visited the site soon after receiving reports of tree cutting. However, locals alleged that some officials were later influenced, resulting in no immediate legal action for nearly a week. “Despite clear evidence, nothing happened until the news was published,” said local resident Fahim Tajnowhat.
Environmentalists warned that the destruction of mangroves, such as Bain and Keora trees, threatens coastal biodiversity and weakens natural protection against cyclones and tidal surges. Mangrove forests play a crucial role in safeguarding coastal communities in climate-vulnerable Bangladesh.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing and those responsible will be brought to justice.
