An outrage has triggered among devotees after several old date palm trees inside the premises of Hazrat Shahjalal’s (RA) shrine in Sylhet were cut down.

These trees, planted nearly 50 years ago, were an integral part of the shrine’s heritage.

The trees were felled between Monday and Wednesday, according to shrine authorities, who claimed that the removal was necessary for mosque expansion.

Locals and devotees recall that the trees, planted around 1980 in front of the shrine’s mosque, served as a resting place for visitors at night.

During prayer times, temporary shades and tarpaulins were set up beneath the trees, creating a unique and familiar environment for devotees.

By Thursday, the stumps of the removed trees had been leveled with the ground. Devotees fear that additional trees may also be cut.

Abul Hossain, president of the 360 Aulia Devotees’ Association, expressed dismay, saying the date palms were a recognizable feature of the shrine and an important part of Sylhet’s history and culture.

He criticised the overzealousness of some mosque committee members, stating that temporary prayer areas could have preserved the trees while still accommodating mosque expansion.

MM Sohel Uddin Ahmed, joint secretary of the mosque committee, said several meetings were held to discuss the matter, with opinions both for and against the tree removal.

However, he added that the trees could not be saved if the mosque expansion proceeded.

Shrine caretaker Samun Mahmud Khan said that keeping the front area open would allow devotees space for prayer and walking.