CHILMARI, KURIGRAM, June 1: A human chain was held in Chilmari Upazila of Kurigram demanding an immediate halt to illegal sand extraction and uncontrolled dredging from the Brahmaputra River, prevention of river erosion, and rehabilitation of affected families.
The programme was organised by a group of youths concerned on Saturday at around 11:30 am near the Fakirerhat embankment area under Raniganj Union.
Hundreds of men and women took part in the human chain. Holding banners and festoons with slogans such as "People cry due to river erosion, sand mafia earns money" and "Save ancestral homes, stand against Raniganj destruction", they expressed anger against illegal sand extraction.
Speakers at the programme alleged that unplanned sand extraction and dredging at various points of the Brahmaputra for a long time has disrupted the natural flow of the river, increasing the risk of erosion.
They said many riverside families are living in fear of losing their homes, farmland and other structures. Several families have already lost their houses and lands to river erosion and are now living in inhumane conditions.
A six-point demand was raised at the event, including an immediate stop to illegal sand extraction and uncontrolled dredging, swift removal of seized sand following the 2009 mobile court directive, and ensuring environment-friendly river excavation.
The demands also include construction of a permanent and sustainable embankment from Kanchkol to Fakirerhaat, ensuring protection of riverbank structures including T-embankments, PCC blocks and geo-bags, rehabilitation of erosion-affected families, exemplary punishment for those involved in illegal sand extraction and embezzlement of public property, and regular monitoring and mobile court drives.
Presided over by Associate Professor Niharika Sharmin Dipti of Chilmari Women's College, the programme featured Professor Dr Tuhin Wadud of the Department of Bangla at Begum Rokeya University as a speaker.
He said no development can come at the cost of destroying rivers. Illegal sand extraction is damaging the natural character of the river, putting the livelihoods and homes of riverside people at serious risk.
Others who spoke at the event included Headmaster of Fakirerhat High School Md Ruhul Amin, social development activist Md Shahjamal, Khondaker Badrul Islam, Ashik Iqbal, Sohel Rana, Rafizul Islam Ratan, and businessman Mukul Mandal.
