Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Sunday handed over Tk15 lakh to the forest officer Md Sajjaduzzaman’s family, who was killed while performing his duties.
The minister handed the money to the deceased’s member. Later, he visited the forest officer's grave.
He demanded swift legal actions and exemplary punishments for those involved in the killing.
"We will not grant any exemptions to criminals. We will ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice through a transparent process. Past incidents will also be reviewed and judged accordingly. A special message will be conveyed to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future," he said this while handing over a cheque to the family members.
The minister also assured the employment of the deceased's wife so that the family does not face any financial crisis.
Expressing deep condolences to the family members of Md Sajjaduzzaman, the minister said that when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was informed about the incident, she also expressed grief and sorrow.
The ministry and Forest Department will always stand by his family, he added.
On March 31, the Forest Department official was killed while trying to apprehend robbers who were trying to steal soil by truck from the hills of a forest reserve in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya upazila. The officer was killed after being run over by the truck.