Photo: Messenger
In a blatant disregard for law enforcement agencies, Banshkhali reserved forest in Chattogram is grappling with a surge in illegal land grabbing and hill-cutting activities.
Year after year, as the dry season looms, unauthorized constructions commence, hills are ruthlessly stripped of soil, and protected forest areas are illicitly cut and sold.
Concerned groups are sounding the alarm about the detrimental effects of this rampant hill construction and destruction, which is transforming vital wildlife habitats into desolate landscapes. The consequences are forcing herds of wild elephants into populated areas, resulting in severe damage to homes and crops.
The Forest Department has identified Rafiq Ahmed, son of Shafiq Ahmed from Banshkhali Forest Pirang area, as the mastermind behind the terror in the hills. Under Rafiq's leadership, an unrestrained rampage unfolds, with one mountain after another falling prey to illegal land grabbing.
Despite numerous cases filed against Rafiq Bahini, the primary instigators of these criminal activities, legal actions have yet to succeed in evicting the illegal establishments, as Rafiq persists in his unlawful pursuits even after obtaining bail.
A visit to the location exposes active construction groups carving houses into the hills in the hilly regions of Jangal Pirang in Saral Union and Chechuria Hills of Bailchari Union. The media initially thwarted attempts to engage with the construction site owner.
Nasima Akhter, present at the site, claims, "I purchased the 14th-acre hill with the testimony of 10 witnesses from Rafiq for Tk 65,000 per gonda."
According to Forest Department information, Rafiq Bahini has been actively engaged in hill cutting, house construction, and sales since 2010. Rafiq faces a dozen cases related to hill cutting, hill selling, unauthorized tree removal from protected forest areas, and other criminal activities.
Locals recount witnessing Shahidul Islam involved in the sale of hills and the felling of trees in the same region two years ago. A conflict between Shahid and Rafiq Bahini erupted over hill sales, leading to altercations and shootings. Rafiq, often residing in remote areas, eludes law enforcement, making apprehension challenging. Even during Rafiq's incarceration, his associates continued engaging in criminal activities.
Shahidul Islam, claiming to be a victim of Rafiq Bahini's harassment, has been unable to return home for two years. He refutes allegations against him and complains of forest department officials demanding sums for constructing houses.
The hills of Banshkhali, originally a sanctuary for those who lost land along the Bay of Bengal and Sangu River, have become a hotspot for exploitation. Rafiq Bahini exploits the vulnerability of individuals by selling each Ganda hill for Tk 30 to 65 thousand, using non-judicial stamps and dividing the proceeds among Rafiq Force members.
In response to the mounting complaints, Rafiq Ahmed, the head of the Rafiq Force, deflects inquiries to the range officer, raising skepticism about his claims of innocence in hill sales. Forest worker Shafiqul Islam, duty-bound to conserve the hills, faces threats and intimidation for reporting the illegal activities.
When questioned, Kalipur range officer Emdadul Haque acknowledges the construction of houses by cutting hills and pledges to conduct an expedition with the special force in the coming days to address the escalating crisis.
Messenger/Bela/Shahin
