Map of Cox's Bazar Dhaka TribuneCommissioner Mahbub Alam Talukder devised this unethical scheme to make a handsome amount of money, the locals and environmentalists allegedWhen over a hundred trees surrounding the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner's Office in Cox’s Bazar were abruptly cut down on Tuesday, it triggered widespread criticism among environmentalists and locals alike. They say the mistake to cut down these longstanding trees was a grave one, as it will surely have a detrimental effect on the environment. Commissioner Mahbub Alam Talukder devised this unethical scheme to make a handsome amount of money, the locals and environmentalists alleged. Deepak Sharma Dipu, founder and president of Cox's Bazar Forest and Environment Protection Council, said: “Mahbub Alam all of a sudden decided to cut over a hundred trees that helped maintain a serene environment for decades. We will plant more trees in return, if necessary.”When asked about the issuing of tenders for cutting and selling the trees, he claimed the trees were not cut illegally, but also admitted that the Forest Department was not notified beforehand.

Source: Dhaka Tribune October 15, 2019 19:41 UTC