Sherpur Correspondent

Allegations have surfaced that 5 acres of recovered forest land have been re-occupied in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur, sparking widespread negative reactions among conscious circles in the area.

According to reports, on July 14, the Forest Department rescued 5 acres of forest land in CS plot No. 18 under the Sondhākura mouza of the Madhutila Forest Range from illegal encroachers.

The department also set up signboards on the recovered land designating it as forest property. However, on Friday, July 24, encroachers removed the signboards and re-occupied the land, immediately resuming cultivation. The Forest Department has allegedly maintained a silent role for unknown reasons.

Sources reveal that there are 21,000 acres of forest land along the Sherpur border, of which approximately 1,000 acres remain illegally occupied according to official forest department records, while private estimates place the figure at double that amount. Initiatives to recover encroached forest land are virtually non-existent, causing forest areas to shrink day by day.

Forest Department sources indicate that recovering occupied forest land is impossible unless efforts are freed from political influence. When contacted, Assistant Conservator of Forests S. B. Tanvir Ahmed Emon, stationed at the Rangtia Forest Range, evaded the matter, stating, "Talk to the MP." Mymensingh Divisional Forest Officer Kazi Md. Nurul Karim claimed ignorance of the issue and advised speaking with the Madhutila Range Officer.

Meanwhile, attempts to reach Madhutila Forest Range Officer Md. Dewan Ali by phone went unanswered.