In Maheshpur upazila of Jhenaidah, unidentified vandals cut down gourd and pumpkin plants on four bighas of farmland belonging to farmer Asadul Islam. The incident occurred late Saturday night in Boalia village, causing an estimated loss of five to six lakh taka. Asadul, who had borrowed money to cultivate the crops, discovered the destruction Sunday morning when he went to harvest vegetables.

According to local sources, the plants had recently begun producing gourds and pumpkins, and the farmer had been selling them daily to support his family. Witnesses said the vandals used sharp weapons to sever the plants at their bases, leaving the field devastated by morning.

Maheshpur Upazila Agriculture Officer Yasmin Sultana expressed anger and sorrow over the incident, confirming that an assistant agriculture officer was sent to the site. She assured that the affected farmer would receive legal assistance and priority for future government support. Local police described the act as punishable and said they would take legal action once a written complaint is filed.