Five forest workers, including Paner Chhara Range Officer Shariful Alam, were seriously injured in an attack in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, after an eviction drive over alleged betel-leaf garden construction on reserved forest land. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Monday in Samitipara of Ward 6, South Mithachhari Union. The injured workers were taken to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital for treatment.

The other injured personnel were forest guard Humayun Kabir, gardeners Saidul Islam and Md Sajid, and ERT member Mizanur Rahman. Shariful Alam alleged that more than 100 people, led by BNP leaders Jasim Uddin, Nazir Hossain and Sahab Uddin, attacked the team with local weapons and sticks as it returned after the operation. Jasim Uddin is identified as president of Ward 6 BNP in South Mithachhari Union.

Divisional Forest Officer Abdullah Al Mamun said two workers, including the range officer, suffered head injuries, while three others had broken arms. The forest department was preparing to file a case by the afternoon. Ramu police said no complaint had yet been received. The Bangladesh Foresters Association condemned the attack and demanded arrests and stronger security for field-level forest workers.