Five nabbed with dredger at Monpura

BHOLA, Aug 13: Members of Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) southern zone have detained five people along with a dredger while illegally lifting sand from the Meghna River in Monpura Upazila of the district from Wednesday morning to afternoon. 
The BCG’s media wing confirmed the matter and said that the owner of the seized dredger is Hanif Majhi. The arrestees are Naya Mia, Ismail, Shukkur Mia, Hasan and Kayes Mollah. They all live in Lakurtali Village in Barguna Sadar Upazila.
Local residents alleged that the illegal sand lifting with dredgers has put the under-construction embankment project under threat. In addition, locals are afraid of losing their homes due to increased river erosion due to unplanned sand lifting.
Locals claimed that they have been protesting against illegal sand lifting for the last two years but with no result. They have demanded regular raids against illegal dredgers in the Meghna. 
Officer-in-Charge of Monpura Police Station Mazharul Islam said, “The arrestees were handed over to the police station on Wednesday evening. Further legal action will be taken in this connection.”