Chittagong University accused of cutting hills for construction without permits

Chittagong University, known for its scenic green hills, is reportedly cutting a hill for the construction of a new building, allegedly without obtaining the necessary environmental permits. Approximately 2% of the hill's area has already been leveled for the construction of a new transport department building. This action is in violation of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, which prohibits hill cutting without prior permission from the Department of Environment. University authorities claim they have not been informed about the hill cutting and are investigating. The project, undertaken by contractor 'Yunush and Brothers', involves a first phase of an 11,000 sq ft building at a cost of approximately BDT 3.72 crore, with completion expected by March next year. A second phase will add a three-story building covering 22,000 sq ft. While the university's acting chief engineer stated that only the broken parts of the hill slope were worked on, the Deputy Director of the Chittagong District Department of Environment noted that the university had informed them of construction plans for a building under 5,000 sq meters, which does not require an environmental clearance certificate, and did not mention hill cutting. If evidence of hill cutting is found, legal action will be taken. Students and environmental organizations have expressed strong opposition, deeming the hill cutting unacceptable and suggesting alternative construction sites. The university vice-chancellor denied cutting hills, claiming only a small area was leveled, and expressed uncertainty about permit acquisition, citing procedural complexities.