Army seizes illegal timber in Khagrachhari

Illegal timber seized in Khagrachhari by Army on Saturday. UNB

Khagrachhari, Mar 01 -- The Bangladesh Army has seized illegal timber worth more than Tk 6 lac during an overnight operation in Dighinala upazila of Khagrachhari, as part of efforts to protect forest resources in the hill tracts.

The operation was carried out around 10:30pm on Saturday (Feb 28) based on a tip-off, according to army sources.

Members of the Bangladesh Army from the Dighinala Zone under Khagrachhari Region, stationed at the Betchhari Army Camp, took part in the drive.

Army sources said a total of 135 pieces of illegal timber were seized during the operation. The volume of the recovered timber was estimated at 174 cubic feet, with an approximate market value of Tk 626,400.

The timber was reportedly collected from the Marishya area of Baghaichhari upazila and was being smuggled through Hajachhara of Merung Union.

The seizure was made after searching two locally known vehicles, popularly called “Chander Gari,” at a checkpoint of the Betchhari Army Camp.

Those involved in the smuggling managed to flee the spot during the operation.