More than 200 trees were illegally felled overnight in Kuakata, causing major financial loss and alarming environmentalists, who warn the incident threatens coastal biodiversity and tourism investment in the region.
In a shocking attack on the environment, over 200 trees planted on private land in Kuakata were illegally cut down under the cover of darkness, causing an estimated financial loss of approximately 500,000 BDT ($5,900).
The incident took place on Thursday, March 12, at a property owned by Sweet Dream Management Limited in Ward 2 of Kuakata Municipality under Mahipur Police Station. The company had cultivated a garden of palm, Babla and Burmese betel nut trees as part of its investment in local tourism and development initiatives.
Zainul Abedin, General Manager of Sweet Dream Management Limited, reported that the trees were discovered felled at 8 a.m. Thursday morning. Authorities suspect the attack occurred the previous night. A general diary has been filed with Mahipur Police to register the case.
Environmentalists have condemned the act as a serious threat to coastal biodiversity. KM Bachchu, President of the Coastal Environment Protection Movement, said, “Cutting trees in coastal areas like Kuakata is extremely harmful. Trees play a vital role in protecting the environment and maintaining biodiversity. The perpetrators must be swiftly identified and brought under legal action. Authorities should also take strict measures to prevent future incidents.”
Zahirul Islam, Senior Vice President of the Kuakata Tourist Owners and Welfare Association (TOAW), called the incident “deeply regrettable” and warned that attacks on tourism-related investments could discourage investors. He urged all stakeholders to raise awareness and protect Kuakata’s growing tourism industry.
Mahipur Police Officer-in-Charge Mahbubat Hossain confirmed that a general diary has been filed and said that law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident to identify those responsible.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting coastal environments in Bangladesh, where illegal logging and human interference threaten both local ecosystems and community development initiatives.
