For the past three years, hundreds of large trees of various species have been dying in Uttar Nidrar Char, part of the Fatrar Forest in Taltali upazila of Barguna. Despite the widespread loss, the Forest Department has taken no initiative to sell or manage the dead trees. Allegations have surfaced that some unscrupulous officials are secretly selling the valuable timber through illegal channels. However, forest officials claim they have reported the issue to higher authorities and promised strict action if any illicit activity is proven.
The Fatrar Forest, a naturally formed mangrove area along the Bay of Bengal in Taltali upazila, spans approximately 4,048.58 hectares. It contains diverse tree species, including keora, sundari, garan, gewa, rain tree, koromja, and babla. Many of these trees, some over a century old, have become highly valuable. The forest has been divided into two beats—Sakina and Nishanbaria—under the Forest Department’s management. The affected Uttar Nidrar Char, located in the Sakina beat, covers around 100 hectares and hosts trees such as keora, gewa, sundari, babla, and garan.
According to the Forest Department, the trees have been dying because sand deposits from tidal surges have covered their roots, blocking their pneumatophores and preventing them from breathing.
A recent on-site visit revealed that hundreds of trees in the area stand dead, their branches dried and trunks decaying. Many have already fallen onto the sand. Local woodcutters are collecting the dead trees for firewood while Forest Department personnel appear to remain inactive observers.
Local resident Nazrul Islam Hawlader said, “When trees die, some forest officials benefit. They are secretly selling the trees in small quantities through illegal channels. These trees are worth millions of taka, yet the government is losing revenue while no new saplings are being planted.”
Several residents of the char, requesting anonymity, alleged that the Forest Department is officially selling only 27 trees, which they described as a cover for a much larger volume of illicit sales. “We see the tree looters carrying away wood openly, while officials turn a blind eye,” they said, urging an immediate investigation.
A few forest guards, also speaking anonymously, admitted, “We see the large trees dying but can do nothing. Unless higher authorities act, we have no authority to intervene.”
Sakina Beat Officer Rahimul Islam said, “We have informed our superiors about the dying trees. They will decide on further actions. If the dead trees were sold properly, it would create opportunities for new plantations in the char.”
Taltali Range Officer Motiur Rahman confirmed that the trees are dying due to sand accumulation and age-related decline. “We have reported the matter to higher authorities. Action will be taken based on their instructions. We have also received reports of illegal timber sales and will take action against those found guilty after investigation,” he stated.
Assistant Conservator of Forests for the Patuakhali Coastal Forest Division, Amir Hossain, said, “I was unaware of the situation at Uttar Nidrar Char, but we will investigate and take necessary measures. There is no opportunity for illegal timber sales. If the allegations are proven, strict action will be taken.”
Barguna Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shafiul Alam stated that he will advise the Deputy Conservator of Forests of the Patuakhali Coastal Division to take effective action. “We have repeatedly asked forest officials to act, but they seem reluctant to respond,” he added.
