Valuable trees from the social forest of Lohani Para Union in Badarganj, Rangpur, are reportedly being felled and smuggled nightly to sawmills in Badarganj and Mithapukur. Local sources allege that timber traders are purchasing the trees through dishonest forest officials, while seized wood worth millions of taka has been sold illegally.

Forest Beat Officer Mojibur Rahman has been accused of colluding with forest protection committee leaders to sell confiscated timber and of facilitating the disappearance of seized logs. Committee members claimed that despite their requests, officials ignored illegal tree cutting incidents. Senior forest officials redirected inquiries to other offices, while Mojibur Rahman cited manpower shortages as a reason for failing to prevent thefts.

Badarganj Upazila Executive Officer Anjuman Sultana stated that action would be taken if evidence of involvement in such activities is found.