Authorities in Mirzapur, Tangail, seized more than fifty gazari trees from the Deohata timber market after allegations that naturally grown sal-gazari trees from government forest land were cut and trafficked to sawmills. The trees were being unloaded from a truck at about 8pm on Thursday when the matter came to light. People involved fled after noticing journalists, and police and Forest Department officials later reached the site and carried out the seizure.

Local residents alleged that illegal trade in sal-gazari trees and sawn timber from forest areas has continued at the market for a long time. Acting chairman of Gorai Union Parishad Kamruzzaman said a timber trader named Anwar brought the trees by truck for sale and fled, leaving them behind. Assistant Forest Conservator Ami Akhtar of Bashtail Range said no Forest Department sal-gazari trees are currently being sold through auction. Officials are investigating the trees’ origin and those involved, while preparations are underway to file a case.