The Forest Department took decisive action to reclaim 6 acres of unlawfully occupied land within the Bamu Forest Reserve, situated in the headquarters range of the Lama Forest Division in Bandarban.
The operation, led by Md. Saiful Islam, Assistant Conservator of Forests for the Lama Forest Department, unfolded on September 3.
Assistant Conservator of Forests, Md. Saiful Islam, said, "A dispute had erupted between two parties over the reserved forest area managed by the Forest Department in a location known as Panisyamukh, nestled within the Ahiddarghona area of the Bamu Reserve Forest. There was a growing concern regarding the potential deterioration of law and order. As a result, we took the necessary steps to reclaim government land and foster its restoration by planting saplings."
Approximately 3,000 trees, representing Chikrashi, Kanchanbadi, Arjuna, and Akashmani tree species, have been carefully planted across these 6 reclaimed acres. Additionally, aside from eradicating encroachment, the access of the general public to this area has been restricted, symbolized by the placement of conspicuous red flags.
According to Forest Department sources, the Bamu Forest Reserve has a rich history, dating back to its establishment on April 25, 1931, under the supervision of the Cox's Bazar North Forest Division. In 2005, the administration of the Bamu Reserve was transferred to the Lama Forest Department. The reserve encompasses a total area of 19.78 acres and is characterized by its lush growth of Gurjan, Teshal, Chapalish, Boyra Bailam, and Rang Gamari trees. Moreover, the reserve boasts invaluable agar gardens that span an impressive 250-acre expanse.
The situation leading up to this operation was rooted in a long-standing dispute involving Sayed Alam, the brother of Abul Kasem, a local resident in the Ahiddarghona area of the Bamu Reserve. Sayed Alam had been tending to this land for over three decades, but tensions arose when Md. Mizan, Ward Member of Bamu Bilchari Union Parishad No. 5, sought to claim the land, asserting ownership through fraudulent documents and purchase papers.
Upon uncovering these discrepancies, Ariful Haque Belal, Divisional Forest Officer for the Lama Forest Department, initiated the operation aimed at restoring the reserve to its rightful state.
In executing this operation, Assistant Conservator of Forest Md. Saiful Islam was joined by a dedicated team that included Lama Sadar Range Officer AKM Ata Elahi, Tain Range Officer Abul Kasem, Doluchari Range Officer AKM Rezaul Islam, Bamu Beat Officer Anjan Kanti Biswas, Lama Jot Malik Samiti President Md. Salim, General Secretary Md. Harun-Or Rashid,
Bamu Bilchari 4th Ward UP Member Md. Belal, alongside local media professionals, public representatives, and beneficiaries of social forestry initiatives.
Lama Sadar Range Officer AKM Ata Elahi expressed gratitude for the support received from local representatives, journalists, and the community at large, underscoring that the encroached forest land has now been successfully reclaimed.
