Forest rangers face violent resistance during Rangunia land reclamation drive

Forest department rangers conducting a reclamation operation in Rangunia upazila came under attack from residents occupying disputed forestland, officials said. The confrontation marks the latest in a series of clashes between authorities and illegal settlers seeking to retain control of forested areas designated for conservation and state management.

Rangers were attempting to survey and reclaim sections of hillside and forest designated as state property when they faced resistance from occupants who have established settlements in the disputed zones. The attacks on officials executing court-authorized reclamation orders highlight the practical difficulties authorities face in enforcing land designations across the region.

The Rangunia incidents reflect broader tensions over forest resource management in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, where competing claims to land ownership and usage rights have created recurring disputes. State forestry agencies have prioritized reclamation drives to prevent further encroachment and restore protected forest cover, but such operations frequently encounter organized local opposition.

Authorities have not reported casualty figures from the latest incidents, but the attacks have prompted concern among forest management officials about escalating resistance to land reclamation efforts. The forest department has called for enhanced security measures during future operations to protect personnel executing official duties.