Illegal sand extraction threatens farmland along Meghna

NABINAGAR, BRAHMANBARIA, Nov 5: Illegal sand extraction from the Meghna River near Charmanikanagar in Shyamgram Union of Nabinagar Upazila is threatening riverside farmland, with local residents alleging that an armed group is using powerful dredgers under the cover of darkness.

According to locals, 10 to 15 dredgers are deployed after 10pm every night to extract sand from the river near Charmanikanagar in Nabinagar and Charmadhua in neighbouring Raipura Upazila of Narsingdi. They alleged that the operation had continued for a long time without any visible action by the authorities.

Farmers said deep dredging was accelerating erosion, causing cropland and extensive char areas along the river to disappear. They also fear that the extraction could alter the river's course and cause serious environmental damage.

Local and intelligence sources alleged that an organised criminal group operating along the Nabinagar-Raipura border was behind the operation. They claimed that around 20 to 30 armed men patrolled the area at night in three to four speedboats to protect the dredgers and extraction sites, leaving residents and farmers afraid to protest.

The report named several alleged members of the group, including Monek, also known as Monek Dakait, and his two sons, Sumon and Leon, from Nurjahanpur Village under Barikandi Union of Nabinagar. 

It also named several people from Raipura and neighbouring areas. Police sources said the accused faced multiple cases, including murder, robbery and firearms-related charges, in Raipura and Nabinagar police stations.

Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Md Abu Sayeed said illegal sand extraction from the Meghna would not be tolerated.

“The administration is committed to protecting the river and farmland along its banks. A task force will be formed soon to take strict legal action against those extracting sand illegally at night using dredgers in the Charmanikanagar and Charmadhua areas,” he said.

He added that the district administration was preparing for a major joint drive in coordination with the Raipura Upazila administration in Narsingdi.

Superintendent of Police Md Jalal Uddin Fahim said no one involved in the operation, including armed criminals, would be spared.