An organised syndicate has been systematically felling and smuggling valuable trees from the Kalachhara forest area in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar, locals and environmental activists said.
They warned that the activities are causing serious damage to the region's biodiversity and forest ecosystem.
Residents say the gang has been targeting remote parts of the Kalachhara forest, which falls under the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department in Sreemangal. They said the gang cuts species such as Akashmani, Segun, Agar and Gorjan before transporting the timber in pieces by pickup trucks, battery-run autorickshaws and vans, often deep into the night.
Recently, locals intercepted one such consignment. They seized an autorickshaw loaded with Akashmani logs and handed the vehicle and its contents over to the forest department. Officials confirmed that legal proceedings are under way.
Several local residents, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, told this correspondent that the sound of trees being felled is heard regularly at night. Vehicles loaded with timber can occasionally be seen coming out of the forest.
When anyone tries to stop them, the smugglers respond with threats, one resident said.
Residents further alleged that tree felling has intensified since the forest department's beat officer, Touhidul Islam Naeem, took charge at Kalachhara. However, he strongly denied any involvement.
Touhidul said the autorickshaw and the seized trees were recovered because of the vigilance of forest personnel. He said legal action was already under way.
"I have no involvement in tree smuggling. Misinformation is being spread against me," he added.
Community members and conservationists warned that continued large-scale tree felling threatens to strip Kalachhara of its natural character. They said the removal of mature trees is also reducing habitat and food sources for wildlife that depend on the forest.
Kazi Nazmul Haque, range officer of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department in Sreemangal, said regular patrols were being conducted. He said the department would act on any credible complaint against its personnel.
"If a specific complaint is received against any officer or employee of the forest department, it will be investigated and necessary action taken," he told The Daily Star.
"Those involved in tree theft will be identified and brought to justice. Legal action is also being pursued regarding the recent seizure."
Nurul Muhaimin Milton, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Sangbadik Samitee's Moulvibazar unit, said the situation at Kalachhara reflects a broader failure of forest governance across the Sylhet division.
"What is happening in Kalachhara is not isolated -- it is systematic destruction enabled by institutional negligence," he told The Daily Star.
"When residents report hearing chainsaws at night and seeing loaded vehicles leave the forest unchallenged, it means the protection mechanism has completely broken down. The forest department cannot simply respond after the fact; it must be held accountable for prevention."
He called for an independent inquiry, saying departmental self-investigation was insufficient.
"Any probe into allegations involving forest department personnel must be conducted by an independent body -- not internally. The communities living beside these forests are the real guardians, and their testimonies must be taken seriously."
Nurul also warned of the long-term ecological consequences.
"Akashmani, Segun, Agar and Gorjan are not just commercially valuable trees -- they are ecological anchors.
"Their removal disrupts canopy cover, soil stability and the food chains of dozens of species. If this continues unchecked, Kalachhara will not recover within our lifetimes," he added.
