Century-old tree cut over 'claims of un-Islamic rituals'

A century-old Banyan tree was partially cut down allegedly for links to some "un-Islamic" rituals in Alom Mirer Kandi village of Madaripur Sadar's Shirakara union on Monday.

Wadia Shabab, the upazila nirbahi officer of Madaripur Sadar yesterday, confirmed that the tree had been partially cut.

"After learning of the incident, the district forest officer, administrative officials, and I rushed to the spot and halted the tree-cutting. We found that the tree had not yet been fully cut down, and we believe it can still be saved. We will take necessary steps to preserve it," she said.

The UNO added, "I spoke with the landowner and learned he wants to build a house there. Since removing the tree would be costly, he sold it for Tk 1,500 to a local madrasa, and people from the madrasa were cutting it."

On Monday, a 14-second video of the incident went viral on social media. The Daily Star obtained the footage, which shows two men cutting the tree with a saw while some others standing by.

Azam Khan, a ward member of Shirakara union parishad, said local clerics collectively decided to cut the tree as they found the rituals surrounding the it are "un-Islamic".

"People would light candles, tie red threads and cloths to it [the tree]. These were considered un-Islamic acts. The clerics believed cutting the tree was the only way to stop such practices. I don't think there was any political motive involved," he said.

The district administration has formed a three-member committee led by District Forest Officer Jahangir Alam to investigate the matter.

"If the investigation finds that the act was deliberate and driven by ulterior motives, we will take administrative action," the UNO said.

Forest Officer Jahangir Alam yesterday said, "Banyan trees are a protected species. No one has the right to cut them at will. Many bird species depend on the fruits of banyan trees for survival. We will take necessary steps to identify and preserve such century-old trees in the region."

Kazi Faisal, an environmentalist working with Prokritir Moncho, told The Daily Star, "A century-old tree is not just a tree—it is part of an ecosystem. It provides shade, shelter for birds, and supports biodiversity. It also holds cultural and social significance. Cutting such a historic tree based on a singular religious interpretation is deeply saddening.

"At a time when global temperatures are rising and we are rallying to protect trees, such a brutal act is unjust. Even saving one tree today could be a major contribution to humanity. Trees are living beings, and we all need to embrace that concept. I strongly condemn this act and demand punishment for those responsible."