JU students protest felling of trees to construct playground

Jahangirnagar University student organisation, JU progressive students, protested the felling of trees at the campus today (November 6, 2022) and urged the authorities to stop all unplanned development.

They said they would lay siege to the planning and development office at the JU campus on Tuesday (November 8, 2022) if such unplanned constructions without a master plan are not stopped, reports our JU correspondent.

The students have also requested the introduction of a master plan to ensure planned development.

Bangladesh Students Union JU unit General Secretary Amartya Roy made the announcement today and said, "Despite repeated requests, about a hundred more trees have been cut down at Tarzan Point next to the central mosque to build a playground for female students. We went to the spot today and asked them to stop the work without a master plan. We will move towards a larger movement on Tuesday."

He also said, "During the financial crisis of the country, it is unreasonable and inhuman to build big buildings spending tons of money. We have repeatedly said -- make a complete master plan and then start the work. Do what is necessary. Don't waste during the crisis period."

At the designated area for the construction of the playground, it was seen that workers were cutting off branches from fallen trees. The Daily Star learnt that the felling of trees had started on Friday morning (November 4, 2022). There are at least a hundred trees of different species in that area.

When contacted about the felling of trees, Nasir Uddin, acting director of the JU's Further Development Project, did not receive the call.

Deputy Registrar of Estate Office Abdur Rahman told The Daily Star that under the "Further Development Project", a playground for female students will be constructed in that designated area. For that reason, trees are being cut after taking permission from the authorities.