Local residents of Saint Martin Island in Cox’s Bazar have alleged that rows of keya trees were cut down along the southern beach area of Ward 9, apparently to facilitate illegal land occupation. The incident, reported on February 16, 2026, has triggered anger and concern among locals, though no one has publicly identified those responsible.
Union Parishad Chairman Foyezul Islam confirmed hearing about the tree cutting and said a beach worker was sent to inspect the site, with further action to follow after investigation. Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) district president H.M. Ershad condemned the act as alarming, emphasizing that keya trees serve as a natural coastal defense protecting sand dunes, homes, and marine biodiversity. Local residents described the destruction as unacceptable and urged authorities to act swiftly to protect the island’s forest cover.
The Department of Environment’s Cox’s Bazar office director, Jamir Uddin, stated that an initial investigation has begun and the matter is being treated with high importance.
উপজেলা প্রতিনিধি, (টেকনাফ) কক্সবাজার প্রকাশ : ১৬ ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০২৬, ১৯: ৩৪ উপজেলা প্রতিনিধি, (টেকনাফ) কক্সবাজার সেন্টমার্টিন দ্বীপের সমুদ্র সৈকত এলাকায় কেয়াগাছ কেটে দখলের অভিযোগ পাওয়া গেছে। তবে জবরদখল কাজে কারা জড়িত কেউ মুখ খুলছেনা। এ ঘটনায় স্থানীয়দের
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