Hundreds of trees have been cut down surrounding the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner’s Office in Cox’s Bazar. This has resulted into an ecological crisis as well as has become the topic of criticism among environmentalists and locals. Locals say that these trees have been in the area for a long time and it was a serious to cut so many trees from one area in a matter of days. Meanwhile experts believe that this will have lasting and detrimental effect of the already changing climate.
The locals and environmentalists alleged that a senior official of Cox’s Bazar district administration hatched this immoral plan to make some quick cash. Cox's Bazar Forest and Environmental Protection Council president Deepak Sharma Dipu said the incident was very tragic. “One of the city's natural beauties is the Office of the Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner. The abundance of trees made the place look beautiful.
However, the sudden felling of the trees damaged the beauty of the area and the damage to the environment. This act will likely endanger the environment here. For a long time, these tall trees provided a pleasant environment which attracted many visitors,” he added. When contacted, a Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission higher official said, some trees were cut down due to renovation purposes. In fact, more trees will need to be cut down for letting sunlight in to the area. However, more trees will be planted if needed later.
