Bangladesh authorities probe alleged illegal hill cutting at Ramgarh Land Port after reports of hills leveled, amid warnings of landslides, biodiversity loss and pledges of strict legal action by the government.
Authorities have launched an investigation into allegations of illegal hill cutting during land filling work at the Ramgarh Land Port project in Khagrachhari, southeastern Bangladesh. A three-member fact-finding team conducted an on-site inspection on Friday, January 9, led by Nuruannahar Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping.
Advisor Sakhawat Hossain emphasized that no development work would be tolerated if it damages the environment or the natural balance. “Those responsible for illegal hill cutting or unauthorized land filling will face strict legal action,” he said.
Environmental experts warn that hill cutting in the region can lead to landslides, soil erosion and loss of biodiversity, making sustainable oversight essential. The Ramgarh Land Port project is a strategic infrastructure initiative intended to boost regional trade and connectivity between Bangladesh and neighboring countries, highlighting the importance of balancing development with ecological preservation.
The investigation follows reports that three hills were leveled to expand the port area, raising environmental concerns. The committee, formed on Thursday by Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of Labour and Employment, has been instructed to submit its report within three working days.
During the inspection, the team visited the Vairagi Tila area, where nearly five acres of hills have reportedly been cut for the port’s land filling activities. Officials present included Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Md. Anwar Sadat, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rumana Akter, Ramgarh Upazila Executive Officer Kazi Shamim, Assistant Superintendent of Police Obain, Officer-in-Charge of Ramgarh Police Station Mohammad Nazir Alam and representatives from the port authority.
The allegations first came to light on December 17 when local media published a pictorial report documenting the hill cutting. The ongoing investigation aims to assess the environmental impact and ensure compliance with Bangladesh’s regulations before further work continues.
