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Trees cut down for fund raising in Kalapara madrasah


Published : 11 Sep 2021 03:29 PM | Updated : 13 Sep 2021 03:03 AM

Although the government has emphasized on planting trees in educational institutions across the country, Nesaruddin Senior Fazil Madrasah in Patuakhali Kalapara has become an exception as the Madrasah authorities have been cutting trees for funds.

Due to the closure of the educational institution for almost 18 months, the institution was in a state of neglect. As a result the doors and windows of the classroom, even the tin sheds have been ruined. Therefore, to start classes in the madrasa from September 12, the beauty-enhancing trees at the entrance of the madrasah are being cut down.

A huge Chambal tree was cut down on Thursday without the knowledge of the upazila administration and the education administration. However, the principal of the madrasah Nasir Uddin Hawlader said that the trees were cut down due to lack of funds in the madrasah and the cutting of these trees was allowed by the board of directors.

This madrasah is located in the heart of Kalapara municipal town. It is surrounded by beautiful trees. Mahogany, Chambal, and Eucalyptus trees can be seen at the entrance of the madrasah, in the shadow of which the students used to pass their leisure time.

However, on Thursday, a huge Chambal tree, about thirty-year-old, was suddenly cut down to raise funds for repairing the tin shed and door of the madrasah.

According to the locals, classes never took place properly in the madrasah. Although the madrasah had a lot of property in its possession, the classrooms were never repaired. No students or teachers had been in the madrasah for a long time as the educational institution was closed due to Covid-19. Most of the wooden doors, windows and tin sheds have been crippled as they were left abandoned. Therefore, the trees were cut down for repairing those.

Madrasah Principal Nasir Uddin Hawlader said that due to lack of funds in the madrasah, they had to cut down the trees. The issue was approved by the board of directors long ago. However, he could not mention the date of the meeting.

Kalapara Upazila Secondary Education Officer Mokhlesur Rahman said that he is also a member of the board of directors. However, he did not know at which meeting the resolution to cut down the tree was passed. 

“I am looking into the matter,” he said.

Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abu Hasnat Mohammad Shahidul Haque said that he was not informed about cutting of the trees.

He also said that the reasons for cutting down the trees of the educational institution will be known by talking to the principal.

“However, it was not right to cut down the beauty-enhancing trees,” he added.

SGP/IA