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Hill cutting continues in Fatikchhari despite administrative action
Published : Tuesday, 3 November, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Observer Online Report
Hill cutting has continued in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, despite a previous drive by the administration and a Tk 50,000 fine, with fresh allegations emerging that a hill is being levelled to build a permanent structure in the North Paindong area.
The latest incident has been reported in front of Khaleda Kalam Government Primary School, beside a government rubber plantation, where soil is allegedly being removed from a natural hill.
The hill, covering around five acres, is located east of Paindong Amtali in Ward 7 of Paindong Union. The cutting has raised concerns over damage to the natural landscape and the local environment.
Local sources said the administration had previously fined those involved Tk 50,000 for cutting hills in the same area. However, the work has reportedly resumed despite the penalty.
The names of local residents Mohammad Shawkat and his son Irtisam Kalam Irsal have emerged in connection with the alleged hill cutting. They are residents of Ward 9 of Paindong Union.
When contacted for comment, Shawkat claimed that everything had been “managed” and said the assistant commissioner (land) had permitted the work. He also referred to his brother's connection with the union chairman.
However, Fatikchhari Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rahmat Ullah denied giving any such permission. He said he had earlier visited the site and fined those responsible Tk 50,000, but was unaware that hill cutting had resumed.
He said there was no question of granting permission for such work and that the Department of Environment would be informed so that it could take legal action against those involved.
The renewed activity has sparked anger among local residents, who have questioned the effectiveness of the previous administrative action and the lack of monitoring after the fine was imposed.
Attempts to contact Tapan Karmakar, manager of the Kanchannagar Rubber Garden under the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC), for comment were unsuccessful.
Section 6B of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, prohibits the cutting or removal of hills. Environmental experts said a first offence can carry up to two years in prison or a fine of up to Tk 2 lakh. Repeat offences can result in imprisonment for two to 10 years or a fine ranging from Tk 2 lakh to Tk 10 lakh. Equipment and vehicles used in such activities may also be confiscated.
Munira Parveen Ruba, Chattogram chief coordinator of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), said hill cutting was often carried out by influential groups.
She alleged that the failure of the Department of Environment and local administration to enforce the law effectively had allowed the practice to continue, posing a growing threat to the environment. She called for strict enforcement to stop such activities.
Local residents said the cutting was particularly concerning as it was taking place near a primary school and beside a rubber plantation. They warned that continued hill cutting could cause long-term and irreversible environmental damage.
They urged the authorities to conduct an immediate operation, stop the work, seize excavators and other equipment used in the activity, review records of the previous drive and take legal action against those responsible.
Department of Environment Chattogram Divisional Deputy Director Mujahidur Rahman said he would look into the matter and send officials to the site. He assured that strict action would be taken against hill cutting.
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
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