The Ramu case underscores rising tensions over reserved forest land, as officials cite illegal betel cultivation and conservationists call for stronger protection of frontline workers.
Attack on forest personnel highlights growing pressure on protected forests from land occupation, livelihood conflicts and weak enforcement.
A forest protection operation in southeastern Bangladesh has turned into a legal dispute after forest officials filed a case against 17 people, including a local rulling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader, following an alleged attack during an eviction drive targeting illegal betel leaf plantations inside protected forest land.
The incident took place in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar, a region known for its ecologically important forests, wildlife habitats and landscapes that support biodiversity and climate resilience.
Forest officials said they came under attack while returning from an operation to remove unauthorised betel leaf gardens allegedly built inside reserved forest land under a government afforestation programme.
The case also names 70 to 80 unidentified people as accused.
The Forest Department says the incident reflects the continuing challenge of protecting Bangladesh’s remaining forests from illegal occupation, while environmental groups warn that conflicts over forest land are increasing as pressure grows from agriculture, settlements and competing land uses.
The Cox’s Bazar incident is the latest reminder of the difficult task facing Bangladesh: protecting its remaining natural ecosystems while addressing the pressures that drive people towards forest-dependent livelihoods.
For conservationists, the message is clear: safeguarding forests is not only about protecting trees, but also about protecting climate resilience, biodiversity and the communities that depend on healthy ecosystems.
Officials injured during eviction operation
According to the case statement and Forest Department officials, the eviction drive was conducted on Monday morning in the Samitipara area of South Mithachhari Union in Ramu.
Officials said some individuals had allegedly constructed new betel leaf plantations inside reserved forest land created under Bangladesh’s national tree plantation initiative.
After completing the operation, forest personnel were allegedly attacked while returning from the site.
The injured included Panerchhara Range Officer Shariful Alam, Forest Guard Humayun Kabir, garden workers Saidul Islam and Md Sajid, and Emergency Response Team (ERT) member Mizanur Rahman.
They received medical treatment at Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital.
Range Officer Shariful Alam alleged that more than 100 people armed with sticks, iron rods and locally made weapons attacked the forest team following the eviction activity.
“The Forest Department launched the operation after receiving information that reserved forest land had been occupied for betel leaf cultivation,” he said.
The case mentions damage of around Tk 100,000 to government property during the incident.
Ramu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam Bhuiyan said 17 people were named in the case, including Jasim Uddin, Nazir Hossain, Abdullah and Joynal.
The accused face allegations including obstructing government duties, assaulting government employees, attempted murder, causing serious injuries and intimidation.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
Environmental groups also stressed that protecting Bangladesh’s forests requires protecting the frontline workers responsible for safeguarding them. Forest rangers and officials often face risks while carrying out conservation duties, particularly in areas where illegal occupation and competing land interests create tensions.
“Forest officials and frontline conservation workers are the first line of defence in protecting our natural ecosystems. Any attack on those working to safeguard forests undermines not only law enforcement efforts but also broader efforts to protect biodiversity and climate resilience,” said Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global.
BNP leader among accused
Among those named in the case is Jasim Uddin, president of Ward No. 6 BNP unit in South Mithachhari Union.
However, Forest Department officials said the case was filed based on alleged involvement in the attack and not against any political organisation.
Assistant Conservator of Forests of Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division Md Monirul Islam said the incident appeared to have political influence but stressed that individuals, rather than any political party, were targeted.
“This is a politically influenced incident. However, no political party has been targeted. The case has been filed against those for whom preliminary evidence of involvement in the attack has been found,” he said.
He added that the person identified by the Forest Department as the alleged organiser of the attack had previously faced allegations related to hill cutting, sand extraction and forest land occupation.
According to the official, the latest confrontation occurred when authorities attempted to remove illegal plantations from a forest area established under a national afforestation programme.
Rulling party seeks more information
Responding to questions about BNP involvement, South Mithachhari Union BNP General Secretary Nurul Absar said he had heard about the incident but did not yet know the full details.
He said he was looking into the matter.
“Previously, there have been conflicts between the Forest Department and betel leaf plantation owners, and cases were also filed. The issue has now become more of a personal dispute,” he said.
The accused individuals named in the case, including Jasim Uddin, Nazir Hossain and Sahab Uddin, could not be reached for comment.
Police said they had accepted the case and would take further legal action after investigation.
Forest conflict reflects wider conservation challenge
The incident highlights a broader struggle facing Bangladesh’s forest authorities as they attempt to protect remaining forest areas from encroachment and competing economic activities.
Cox’s Bazar contains some of Bangladesh’s most important forest ecosystems, including habitats supporting wildlife, biodiversity and ecological services that help communities adapt to climate pressures.
Environmental experts say forests act as natural infrastructure by storing carbon, regulating water systems, reducing heat and supporting ecological balance.
But across Bangladesh, protected forests face increasing pressure from agricultural expansion, illegal settlements, infrastructure development and resource extraction.
Conservationists argue that protecting forests requires stronger enforcement alongside solutions that address the livelihood challenges of communities living around forest areas.
They say long-term conservation cannot rely only on eviction operations but must include community engagement, alternative livelihood opportunities and transparent forest governance.
Protecting forests in a changing climate
Bangladesh is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, facing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, coastal risks and ecosystem degradation.
Environmental groups say protecting forests is essential not only for biodiversity but also for climate adaptation and community safety.
They argue that forest protection efforts must balance law enforcement with social and economic realities while ensuring that reserved forests remain intact for future generations.
“Forests are not empty lands waiting for development; they are living ecosystems that protect communities, biodiversity and our climate future”, said Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global.
He added, “Bangladesh needs a nature-positive and just transition approach where conservation, sustainable livelihoods and development move together. Protecting forests today means protecting the rights and resilience of future generations,” he concluded.
