Authorities in Moulvibazar’s Barlekha upazila have uncovered large-scale illegal tree felling at the Sabajpur Tea Estate, allegedly carried out without approval from the Forest Department or other relevant agencies. The operation reportedly continued for nearly two months before coming to light when the upazila administration seized about 700 cubic feet of timber. Forest officials have been measuring the felled trees over the past three days to prepare a detailed report.

Local sources claim that hundreds of trees were cut across several hilly areas and sold to timber traders, with allegations of involvement by influential groups. The estate management failed to produce any official authorization documents during inspection. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Naima Nadia confirmed that the trees were cut without required permissions and directed the estate to preserve the logs pending investigation.

The estate’s manager stated that the trees were removed as part of tea cultivation expansion and that an approval request was pending. Environmental experts warned that such unauthorized felling violates laws and threatens local biodiversity, urging a neutral investigation and legal action against those responsible.