Satkhira Correspondent

Three establishments have been disconnected from their electricity and fined Tk 25,000 in a task force operation in Kalaroa, Satkhira district, which is against environmental laws and illegal sawmills without permission from the Forest Department. The operation was conducted in Baliadanga Bazar, Icepara and Lohakura areas of Kalaroa on Sunday (June 1) afternoon.

BGB sources said that based on secret information, they came to know that some unscrupulous businessmen were cutting down trees and wood in sawmills in Baliadanga Bazar, Aichpara and Lohakura areas of Kalaroa Upazila without the permission of the Forest Department. Under the direction of Lt. Col. Md. Ashraful Haque, BGB 33 Battalion conducted a task force operation at Messrs. Sultan Sawmill in Baliadanga Bazar, Kalaroa, Messrs. Mohsin Ali Sawmill in Aichpara area, and Messrs. Tuhin Sawmill in Lohakura area without the permission of the Forest Department.

Executive Magistrate of Satkhira District Commissioner's Office Md. Palash Ahmed, Assistant Director of BGB 33 Battalion Beg Abdullah Al Masum and Kalaroa Upazila Forest Officer Md. Faridul Islam were present in the operation of the task force consisting of the Executive Magistrate, BGB and Police Department.

During the task force's operation, the electricity connection of 3 illegally established establishments was disconnected for permanent closure for violating the Sawmill License Act "in violation of Rule 3(1) and Rule No. 12 of the Sawmill Rules-2012". At the same time, a notice was issued by the Executive Magistrate to remove the sawmills within 15 days. In addition, 3 establishments were fined Tk 25,000 for illegally cutting wood in violation of the law.

Additionally, during the task force operation, approximately 5,300 cubic feet of various types of round timber worth an estimated Tk 3.18 million stored in the relevant institution was seized.

This information was confirmed in a press release signed by Lt. Col. Md. Ashraful Haque, commander of BGB 33 Battalion in Satkhira