Bangladesh’s Forest Department has auctioned and begun cutting about 4,500 trees planted along both sides of the Sunamganj-Sachnabazar road after the social forestry contract expired. The felling is under way across a 20-kilometre stretch, including between Niamatpur and Ichcherchar, where workers have cut species including shilkori, Belgian, raintree and acacia over the past week. Haor and river protection activists have held a human chain protest, while residents have voiced anger over the operation.

The trees were planted around 26 years ago with assistance from local beneficiaries under the social forestry programme. The Forest Department said beneficiaries are entitled to a stipulated share of auction proceeds. Beneficiary Manik Mia said those who cared for the trees should have been consulted before they were cut.

Residents and environmental advocates said simultaneous removal of the mature trees could harm roadside beauty and the environment, urging replanting alongside felling. Range officer Riaz Uddin said the jointly owned trees were planted in 2001, many had died, and others could deteriorate within three years. He said auctioning them would ensure beneficiaries receive their contractual share.