A laborer is extracting sand from the Karatoa River in icy chill of winter at Debiganj upazila in Panchagarh on Tuesday. Photo: The Daily Observer
Once a roaring stream, the Karatoa River near Debiganj upazila in Panchagarh has now receded to knee- or waist-deep levels in many places, its flow restricted by upstream dams and a declining groundwater table.
However, its sands remain a lifeline for local workers. Despite of icy chill of winter, hundreds of laborers toil tirelessly in the shallow waters of the Karatoa River near Debiganj upazila in Panchagarh.
From dawn to dusk, these laborers wade into the frigid waters with handmade bamboo and wire baskets to extract sand. These baskets, crafted by local artisans and sold for Tk 250 to 300, are essential tools for the sand trade. The extracted sand is loaded onto boats, transported to the riverbank and then carried by trucks to distant locations.
Around 150 boats operate across a 20-kilometer stretch of the Karatoa with each boat employs three to four workers, who are often the owners of the vessels themselves. Yeasin Ali, a 34-year-old laborer, begins his day early with his team, extracting sand and earning around 800 to 900 taka each per day. Despite the hard work, Yeasin notes that lower water levels make sand collection slightly easier than before, though the cold remains a significant challenge.
"With rising timber costs, building or purchasing boats has become more expensive, costing up to 70,000 taka for a sturdy vessel that lasts only three to four years. Still, the sand business remains lucrative for many," he said.
Laborer Dilip, who shares his boat with three others, explains that their group extracts eight to nine boatloads of sand daily, each containing 120-130 cubic feet of sand.
Acknowledging the economic importance of this activity, Debiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmudul Hasan, describes the sand as a valuable mineral resource, providing livelihoods for thousands of workers while contributing to government revenue. This year, three sand mines in Debiganj have been leased for Tk 1 crore 27 lakh.
Despite the freezing waters and physical toll, the laborers endure, driven by the promise of a better income and the pride of powering an essential industry in the region.
