Illegal sand mining threatens Meghna riverbank

 
SONARGAON, NARAYANGANJ, Oct 27: Illegal sand extraction from the Meghna River at Sonargaon has raised fears of riverbank erosion, threatening the traditional Anandabazar market and two industrial facilities, Meghna LPG and Aman Cement.

A group has allegedly been extracting sand beside the market in Baidyerbazar Union for the past week, using dredgers under the cover of darkness and transporting the sand elsewhere by bulkheads. The unplanned extraction is weakening the riverbank and raising concerns among local residents and traders over possible environmental damage and the loss of homes, businesses and industrial land.

The issue has sparked widespread debate on Facebook over the past two days.

According to local sources, two contractors, Chakda Dredging and Engineering (Pvt) Ltd and Medina Dredging, were awarded contracts by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) for dredging the Meghna River. Dredging has been suspended nationwide from October 8 to 29 to protect mother hilsa and ensure their breeding.

While Chakda Dredging has halted its operations, Medina Dredging has allegedly continued extracting sand at night in defiance of the government ban.

Locals allege that a group of five to seven people, led by Mazharul Islam, who is described by residents as a self-proclaimed BNP leader in Baidyerbazar Union, has been involved in the operation. His uncle Rupchan is also among those accused.

A visit to the area found sand extracted from the river being dumped on land owned by local resident Zahirul Islam near Anandabazar market. Residents said the noise of dredgers begins after dusk, with 10 to 15 powerful machines operating throughout the night. The sand is then transported elsewhere by bulkheads.

The alleged extraction has put Anandabazar, Chhanpara, Tekpara, Khamargaon and Purba Damodardi at risk, locals said. During last year's monsoon, around 30 homesteads in Nunertek Village under Bardi Union were swallowed by the river, allegedly due to similar activities.

Traders fear further erosion could destroy shops, roads and homes around the market, which serves as a major commercial hub and a source of livelihood for thousands of people who come from different areas to buy and sell goods.

Some residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that armed men guard several dredgers during sand extraction, preventing people from protesting out of fear of intimidation and legal harassment. They also said the noise from the machines disrupts their sleep.

Mohammad Hossain, Chairman of the Environment Protection and Development Society, said illegal sand extraction continued despite changes in government.

“Everyone must come together to stop this organised activity and protect the river,” he said.

Denying the allegations, Mazharul Islam said he was not involved in extracting sand at night and claimed that false information was being spread against him. He said he had returned from abroad a few days earlier. When asked whether he had obtained the lease for Anandabazar market in 2025, he disconnected the phone call.

BIWTA Meghna Ghat Deputy Director Md Nur Hossain said dredging had been suspended to protect hilsa. He said the authorities would be informed about those allegedly violating the ban and legal action would be taken. The dredging lease could also be cancelled, he added.

Sonargaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdul Barik said police would provide all possible assistance to stop illegal sand extraction. Shah Kamal, inspector and in-charge of the Baidyerbazar river police outpost, said two people had been detained over the alleged activity and later released after signing undertakings not to extract sand illegally.

Sonargaon Upazila Nirbahi Officer Asif Al Jinat said he was unaware of the nighttime extraction but promised action to stop it.

Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Md Raihan Kabir said the local administration had been instructed to take action against those extracting sand illegally at night, adding that the operation would be stopped soon.