Netrokona June 20 (v7n)— Despite sporadic administrative drives, jail sentences, and financial penalties, an illegal sand mining syndicate continues to systematically plunder riverbeds across Netrokona district. The round-the-clock operations, allegedly protected by highly influential local political circles, have triggerred severe riverbank erosion, altered natural river courses, and pushed the regional ecosystem to the brink of collapse.

An on-the-ground investigation conducted from dawn to dusk on Thursday (June 18) exposed a deeply entrenched network of corruption. Illegal sand extraction remains rampant across the Mahadeo, Someshwari, Kongso, Dhonu, and Bakhla rivers, spanning the upazilas of Kalmakanda, Durgapur, Khaliajuri, Atpara, and Netrokona Sadar. Local residents allege that administrative staff at various sub-district and land offices are managed with massive bribes to ensure the uninterrupted transport of the plundered resources.

On-the-Ground Investigation Uncovers Institutional Apathy

At approximately 11:00 AM on Thursday, this correspondent witnessed dozens of boats unloading illegally extracted sand from Kalmakanda's Mahadeo River directly onto heavy drum trucks at the Teguria Bazar ghat in Barhatta upazila. When the matter was brought to the attention of Barhatta Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Selina Akter, she promised to verify the evidence and take immediate action.

Following the trail back to the extraction source in Rangchhati Union of Kalmakanda Upazila, a shocking scene emerged. Right in front of the Rangchhati Union Land Office ghat, dozens of boats laden with illegal sand were passing by entirely unhindered. Local residents stated that while nearly a hundred boats operate during the daytime, more than 500 boats loot the river under the cover of darkness. Illegal dredging was spotted at no fewer than 10 distinct spots along the Mahadeo River stretching from Boruakona to Dayar Bazar.

When contacted at 2:00 PM, Kalmakanda UNO S.M. Mikael Islam claimed he was looking into the matter. However, by 3:00 PM, officials at the Rangchhati Union Land Office admitted off-the-record that they were powerless to stop the plunder occurring directly before their eyes, claiming their superior authorities had ignored repeated warnings. Furthermore, when asked if Kalmakanda UNO Mikael Islam had passed down any enforcement directives after being informed by the press, the land office staff confirmed they received no such orders.

Evading Accountability and Bribery Allegations

The depth of administrative inaction became undeniable by 6:00 PM back at Barhatta's Teguria Bazar. Sand loading operations were still proceeding in full swing. Shockingly, Barhatta UNO Selina Akter was found parked in her official government vehicle just two to three kilometers away from the active smuggling site.

When confronted by this correspondent as to why the illegal operation had not been halted despite morning assurances, UNO Selina Akter deflected accountability, stating: "I sent the land official (Naib) there. Actually, this sand was not extracted from my upazila."

When pressed on the fact that the illegal sand was actively being offloaded and transferred to commercial trucks within her direct jurisdiction, and when confronted with local allegations that her office routinely collects BDT 2,000 per truck through the Naib, the UNO changed her stance, stating: "Since my Assistant Commissioner (Land) is absent today, I cannot take action. I will address it another day."

Severe Environmental and Civil Backlash

The consequences of this unregulated extraction are proving catastrophic for local communities. The aggressive use of suction dredgers near riverbanks has accelerated severe erosion, swallowing vast tracts of agricultural land, rural roads, and residential homes. In Khaliajuri upazila, the erosion caused by the Dhonu River has left several villages facing existential threats.

Furthermore, residents who attempt to speak out against the sand mafia face immediate threats and intimidation, forcing a climate of silence. Environmentalists warn that unplanned dredging is permanently destroying river biodiversity, choking natural water flows, and creating long-term waterlogging and artificial flood risks throughout Netrokona.

While the district administration maintains that it regularly conducts mobile courts, seizes equipment, and issues fines, conscious citizens are questioning why the trade continues to flourish. Local civil society leaders argue that merely penalizing low-wage truck drivers and boatmen will never solve the crisis. They are demanding a high-level investigation to identify and prosecute the administrative officials and political godfathers masterminding this multi-crore illicit industry.

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