NAOGAON, Mar 2: Residents of Naogaon Sadar have raised concerns over government canal dredging soil being removed to a nearby brick kiln at night without a tender, potentially causing millions of taka in revenue loss and threatening the only road along the canal.
The controversy surrounds the 2024-25 canal dredging project in Shikarpur Union, implemented with support from PKSF and the National Development Programme. Work began in early February along the 3-kilometre Khairadara Canal from Jabbur Member's house in West Shikarpur to Mobarak Master's residence, with a total allocation of Tk 99 lakh at Tk 33 lakh per kilometre. The project is being executed by Tekbe International Limited.
Locals allege that dredged soil is being transported under cover of darkness to the nearby Bonful Bricks kiln, bypassing tender procedures. About one kilometre of dredging has been completed, and approximately Tk 30 lakh worth of soil has reportedly been removed. Villagers say the soil was supposed to be used to raise the canal embankments and strengthen the adjoining 15-foot-wide road, but its removal has left the road vulnerable, with sections already eroding after minor rains.
"Instead of reinforcing the road, all the soil is being taken to the brick kiln. After dredging near my house, the road started collapsing the next day. During the monsoon, the entire road could be washed away, flooding our village," said Raju, a resident of West Shikarpur. Others claimed that 40-50 trucks remove soil at night, ignoring daytime government inspections.
Naogaon Sadar UNO Mohammad Ibnul Abedin and Assistant Commissioner (Land) temporarily halted the dredging and instructed that no soil be taken to the brick kiln. However, locals claim trucks resumed soil removal the same night.
Tekbe International Limited representative Israel Hossain denied the allegations, saying, "We are not taking any dredged soil to the brick kiln. Soil is being excavated from privately owned land above the canal and filled back with canal silt afterward." Bonful Bricks owner Ekramul Hossain could not be reached for comment.
UNO Abedin said, "The work has been temporarily stopped. We will calculate the volume of soil obtained and issue a notice. Anyone violating the rules will face strict action."
Local observers warned that such irregularities and revenue loss could undermine government efforts to improve climate resilience and water management. They emphasised that without proper monitoring, canal dredging benefits may fail to reach residents, causing more harm than good.
