5 forest officials, staff injured in attack during eviction drive against illegal encroachment in Ramu
Kamruzzaman Shovon, beat officer of Jhilongja, said three of the injured sustained serious wounds
At least five forest officials and staff were injured after alleged encroachers attacked a forest department team during an operation to remove illegally established betel leaf plantations from reserved forest land in Ramu, Cox's Bazar today (27 July).
The incident occurred around 12pm in the Samitipara area of Ward No 6 under South Mithachhari Union in Ramu upazila.
The injured were identified as Panerchhara Range Officer Shariful Alam, Forest Guard Humayun Kabir, gardener Saidul Islam, staff member Md Sajid and Emergency Response Team (ERT) member Mizanur Rahman.
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Confirming the matter, Ramu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam Bhuiyan said police had been informed of the incident and were looking into the matter.
He said no complaint had yet been filed by the Forest Department but assured that legal action would be taken against those responsible once a complaint is received, regardless of their influence.
According to the injured Shariful Alam, Forest Department was conducting an eviction drive against betel leaf plantations illegally set up on reserved forest land when more than 100 people, allegedly led by local encroachers Jasim Uddin, Nazir Hossain and Sahab Uddin, attacked the team with sticks and locally made weapons.
Kamruzzaman Shovon, beat officer of Jhilongja, said three of the injured sustained serious wounds and the range officer received nine stitches to his head, while two others required three stitches each.
The remaining victims suffered injuries to different parts of their bodies, he added.
Cox's Bazar Range Officer Gazi Shafiul Alam said the injured were taken to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital for treatment.
He added that the Forest Department was preparing to file a case against those involved in the attack later in the day.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Foresters' Association (BFA) strongly condemned the attack in a statement, expressing deep concern over the assault on forest personnel while they were carrying out official duties.
The association demanded the immediate identification and arrest of those involved, exemplary punishment for the attackers, and stronger security measures for forest officials working in the field.
