Abu Sayem, Cox`s Bazar: A sand-laden dumper (truck) has been seized in an operation at Ukhia Range under Cox`s Bazar South Forest Department yesterday. The operation was conducted. According to Forest Department sources, a dumper laden with sand was seized while transporting sand from Shafiullakata area of Thaiongkhali bit of Ukhia Range on the basis of secret information while transporting sand from illegally protected forest area. Sources said, some influential people had been illegally extracting sand from the area for a long time with the seized dredger machine. Ukhia Range Officer Gazi Shafiul Alam said legal action would be taken by seizing the illegal sand and dumpers. He also said the operation would continue.
Md. Humayun Kabir, Divisional Forest Officer, Cox`s Bazar South Forest Department, said that the forest department is trying to recover the government forest land. If anyone builds a facility on government land, it will be evicted and I will play a vital role in protecting the forest by conducting a campaign against the occupiers. Land grabbing, illegal sand smugglers and hill cutters will be brought under the law. He sought cooperation in suppressing forest crime with information.