Large-scale illegal logging devastates Bangladesh’s CHT region

U She Thowai Marma

Allegations of extensive illegal logging, hill cutting and disruption of water systems have emerged from the remote Byangjhiri area in Alikadam Upazila of Bandarban District, where residents, activists and field observations point to what they describe as large-scale ecological degradation of community-managed forest land.

Local people say approximately 200 acres of Parabon forest—traditionally used and protected by indigenous communities—have been severely degraded over the past two years through alleged commercial timber extraction, construction of access roads into hillsides and obstruction of natural watercourses.

The area, located in the rugged southeastern hill tracts near the border corridor between Alikadam and Thanchi, is part of a fragile ecosystem known for steep terrain, dense forest cover and dependence of indigenous communities on forest streams.

Residents describe a landscape increasingly marked by exposed soil, felled trunks and terraced scars cut into hillsides to allow truck access.

Narrow forest trails, previously concealed under dense vegetation, are now reportedly being used as transport corridors for timber extraction.

At multiple locations near the Byangjhiri stream, large logs have been stacked along improvised routes. Tree stumps and freshly cut sections of hardwood species suggest ongoing or very recent felling activity, according to field observations and local accounts.

The Byangjhari stream, a critical water source for at least six Mro indigenous villages, is reportedly under severe stress.

Residents say the stream’s flow has diminished significantly, with sections partially obstructed by logging debris and sediment from hill cutting.

“Earlier the water flowed continuously. Now it is weak and sometimes stops,” said one resident from the area, describing what they see as a gradual breakdown of the local water system.

The stream is also used for drinking water, irrigation and daily household needs by surrounding communities, many of whom have no alternative water supply.

Residents and workers describe an informal but structured timber extraction system involving labourers, chainsaws and transport routes linking the hills to outside markets.

Several workers interviewed said they were employed on daily wages to cut trees, often working in small groups.

They described felled timber being moved through forest tracks, sometimes at night, to avoid detection.

One worker said he was paid between 400 and 500 taka per day for cutting trees, while another said he had arrived recently and had been working for less than three weeks.

A man identified locally as Md Ismail, described by residents as a labour supervisor, said he was brought to the area for work and denied responsibility for tree felling beyond labour activity.

Separately, a trader named by residents, Abu Han Ismail, denied engaging in illegal logging.

He said he had only purchased wood for fuel and claimed the timber originated from agricultural residue or previously felled trees. He said he intended to withdraw from the trade.

Residents allege that complaints were submitted earlier this year to both local administration and security authorities, but no meaningful intervention followed.

“They told us action would come after elections, but nothing changed,” said one resident from the affected area.

Environmental activists say the scale of logging suggests either regulatory failure or the involvement of local intermediaries operating with impunity.

These claims have not been independently verified.

Forest officials acknowledge challenges in enforcement in the remote terrain.

“We are aware of the situation. Action will be taken in coordination with the administration,” said a local forest officer, adding that manpower constraints and geographic remoteness limit routine monitoring.

The Divisional Forest Office said instructions have been issued for an enforcement drive, but did not specify when operations would begin.

Beyond deforestation, residents report a visible decline in wildlife, including species such as wild boar, deer and jungle fowl, which were previously common in the area.

Indigenous Mro communities living in villages such as Pamia Mro Para, Tontuipara, Namchakpara and Kakipara say they are increasingly affected by water scarcity and environmental disruption.

Many depend directly on forest streams and surrounding woodland for survival.

Conservation concerns are also growing over the long-term stability of hill slopes, with experts warning that continued deforestation in steep terrain could increase risks of erosion, landslides and irreversible ecological damage.

Despite repeated complaints and mounting local concern, large-scale enforcement action has yet to be seen on the ground.

Residents say timber extraction continues in parts of the forest, with new routes being used to move logs out of the hills.

Authorities maintain that investigations are ongoing.

For communities in Byangjhiri, however, the visible transformation of their forest landscape has already taken place—leaving behind a scarred terrain where dense canopy once stood.