Allegations have surfaced that large-scale deforestation and timber smuggling have been continuing at Galengya union in Ruma upazila of Bandarban under the cover of “jot permits”. A syndicate of timber traders has been smuggling timber by waterways after stockpiling it on the banks of the Sangu River.
According to local sources, taking advantage of jot permits, the syndicates of timber smugglers are indiscriminately felling trees in the hills. As a result, hillsides are turning barren, they added.
It has also been learnt that timber is being piled along the riverbank in the Sepru Mukh area, beyond the Pantla Para ghat in the upper reaches of the Sangu River. A group of 7-8 workers work there who hail from the Satkania–Khagria area.
The workers said they have been working under Md Jahed Majhi for about one and a half months, each earning a monthly salary of Tk15,000–16,000.
Regarding the timber-smuggling, worker Delwar said: “We work for Jahed Majhi. He arranges our food and accommodation.”
Jahed said he is piling the timber to be floated into the river on behalf of Bandarban businessman Kawsar Sawdagar. He has arranged accommodation, food, and all other tasks in consultation with Kawsar.
Expressing frustration, Galengya Union Parishad Chairman Menrat Mro said: “Timber traders obtain jot permits using documents for land allotted in a particular location, but they cut trees from an entirely different area. There is no way to control this.”
Longrum Mro, a resident of Numlai Headman Para, said he has no allotted land in Pantla mouza, but some of his trees were purchased by Kamal. Kamal is reportedly responsible for buying, cutting, and transporting timber on behalf of businessman Kawsar.
A stockpile of timber was seen along the riverbank. On both banks, timber pieces were tied together with bamboo, prepared as rafts ready to be smuggled by river at any moment.
Ruma Range Officer Riaz Rahman said several jot permits have been approved in the Galengya union, though they were approved during the tenure of the previous ranger. “I cannot confirm at this moment which mouza and whose name the permits were approved under,” he added.
Former ranger Md Muntasir said three individuals from Pantla Para got approval for jot permits. “It is not possible to say in whose name Kawsar secured a jot permit without checking the documents,” he noted.
Risk of forest destruction
Locals allege that the syndicate is using jot permits as a shield to cut down trees far beyond the approved areas. Naturally grown old trees are disappearing rapidly, leaving hills denuded and reducing water flow. This poses a severe threat to the environment and biodiversity.
Residents believe that to protect the natural environment of the hills, jot permits must be reassessed and stricter measures implemented to curb timber smuggling.
