Dhaka, May 6 -- Rampant illegal occupation of Gazipur's Shal forests has surged following the July uprising and subsequent disruptions to law and order, with more than 5,000 unauthorized structures-ranging from tin-sheds to multi-storied buildings-erected due to official inaction, according to local sources.
Residents say that although the security situation has since stabilized, forest encroachment continues unabated, shrinking the historic Bhawal Sal forest, displacing wildlife, and threatening biodiversity.
Field investigations and interviews with forest officials and environmental activists reveal widespread irregularities in the documentation of encroachment. The Forest Department has prepared a post-encroachment list, but it reporte...