by
Sherpur, May 26, 2025: A violent attack targeted the convoy of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, in Sherpur’s Nalitabari Upazila on Monday afternoon. The incident, which occurred in the Daodhara Kataban area near the border, left six journalists injured.
The adviser was visiting the area to inspect a proposed tourism project in the Garo Hills forest, which has sparked controversy due to objections from the Forest Department. During her visit, Rizwana Hasan announced that no tourism center would be established on forest land, emphasizing plans to create an elephant sanctuary instead.
This announcement provoked anger among a section of locals, leading to protests by groups both supporting and opposing the tourism project. The situation escalated when an agitated mob blocked the adviser’s convoy and attacked journalists accompanying the group. The injured journalists include Jahidul Khan Sourav (Ekhan TV), Babu Chakraborty (Samay TV), Naim Islam (Bangla TV), Shahriar Shakir (Bangladesher Khobor), and two others.
According to the Forest Department, approximately 21,000 acres of forest land span three ranges in Sherpur’s three upazilas, with around 15% currently under the control of encroachers. Recently, the local administration planned to develop a tourism center on 223 acres of government-owned forest land, including 32 acres designated as a reserved stone quarry. The Forest Department’s objections halted the project.
Adviser Rizwana Hasan told journalists that the forest is a state asset and must not be destroyed in the name of tourism. She reiterated plans to establish an elephant sanctuary in the area to protect the ecosystem.
The attack on the convoy and journalists has sparked widespread criticism on social media. Local journalists and leaders of the Sherpur Press Club have expressed deep concern over the assault on media personnel.
AI/MR
.webp)
.jpeg)
0 coment rios: