Shahjalal University Sells 107 Old Trees for 1.5 Lakh, 22 Cut Down

Sylhet’s Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has been auctioning off trees, leading to widespread tree felling on its campus. On Saturday, August 23, 2025, four trees were cut down near the basketball court. Reports indicate that tree cutting has been ongoing for the past two days.

Sources reveal that 107 trees were sold through an auction for 1.5 lakh taka to a local businessman. As of Saturday afternoon, 22 trees, including Akashmoni, Kadam, and Rain Trees, have been felled, primarily from the university’s garage area and near the basketball court. These trees, mostly shade-providing, were vital for students’ respite from the sun during movement and gatherings.

At around 2:30 PM on Saturday, it was observed that two trees along the medical-adjacent road on the east side of the basketball court and two on the west side were cut down. Discussions with two individuals involved in the process confirmed that the trees were auctioned off to a businessman near the university’s main gate. The university authorities formed a five-member committee to oversee the decision to cut and auction the old trees. Students have expressed outrage over the tree felling. Jiban Sarker, a third-year Chemistry student, said, “Trees are still being cut behind the Shahid Minar. While other universities preserve old trees, ours are being felled. This is disheartening. New trees cannot replace these. Professor Abul Hasnat, head of the university’s Estate Maintenance Department, told Prothom Alo that only trees harmful to the environment or people were targeted for removal. He noted that some departments had requested tree cutting, and the trees near the basketball court were leaning and causing issues. Plans are in place to restore the court and plant new shade trees. He also mentioned a government directive to remove Akashmoni trees, though no approval was sought from the Forest Department, only discussions with officials. Sylhet Forest Department’s Town Range Officer Shahidullah told Prothom Alo that the university did not inform them about the tree cutting.

Previously, on August 12, students held a protest rally at the university’s Golchattar against the felling of a Kadam tree in front of the cafeteria.