Authorities have uncovered a massive illegal land and plot trade in Chattogram’s Bayezid and Sitakunda’s Salimpur Union, where over four decades of hill cutting and encroachment on government land created a sprawling settlement known as Jungle Salimpur. The area, covering about 3,500 acres including 3,100 acres of government land, saw thousands of plots sold through a token system, generating several thousand crore taka. Law enforcement agencies launched a major operation on March 9, arresting 15 armed criminals and establishing permanent camps for the first time.

Officials claim state control has been restored, but local residents and environmental activists remain skeptical, noting that illegal structures and occupiers still dominate the area. Analysts warn that without full eviction and environmental restoration, criminal groups may reemerge. The illegal trade reportedly began in the 1990s under a forest guard named Ali Akkas, later expanding into two large residential zones controlled by rival gangs.

The district administration plans to revive earlier development projects, including a prison, stadiums, and eco-park, now that security forces have gained control of the area.