, Nov. 14 -- A dispute has erupted in Kushtia town after 70 trees were felled from a nearly one-acre garden located beside the offices of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) and the Public Works Department (PWD).

Both departments have claimed ownership of the trees, triggering tension and a tug-of-war over the removal.

The incident came to light on Friday morning when workers of Naogaon-based AMK Traders, which purchased the trees through an auction, started cutting them.

PWD officials rushed to the site and halted the work, claiming they had not been notified of any tree-cutting order or tender.

PWD officials said a land record correction case is ongoing in court, yet RHD allegedly proceeded with the tender process secretly.

The...