Abu Sayem, Cox`s Bazar: 10 houses have been evicted from the reserved forest area in Jumnagar area of ​​Khutakhali union of Chakaria upazila of Cox`s Bazar. About 4 acres of government forest land has been forcibly liberated from the clutches of the occupying forces identified in it. The operation was led by Mohammad Sohail Rana, Assistant Forest Conservator, Cox`s Bazar North Forest Department, on Tuesday (October 26th) morning.
Fulchhari Range Officer Syed Abu Zakaria, Fansiakhali Range Officer Md. Mazharul Islam, Meherghona Range Officer Md. Mamun Mia,
Special Patrol Team Leader AKM Ata Elahi and BIT officers and staff from different ranges were present.
Regarding the operation, Fulchhari Range Officer Syed Abu Zakaria said that the occupiers were recently identified as illegally constructing houses in a short-term 10 hectare garden in Jumnagar area for 2018-19. Occupiers obstructed the eviction of forest workers at different times.
In a special operation, 10 illegally built houses have been evicted from social forestry. He said no illegal settlement will be allowed in the protected forest. The occupiers will be resisted by any means. Strict legal action will be taken.
Cox`s Bazar North Forest Department Assistant Forest Conservator Mohammad Sohail Rana said the Forest Department would continue its crackdown on land grabbers and deforestation. Occupiers will not be exempted.
According to forest officials and locals, an influential quarter is involved in all the forcible occupation of government forest lands, including sand extraction. The names of some members of the ruling party have also come up with the occupation.