Pabna, MAY 27 (V7N) – Allegations of irregular sand mining and unchecked sales are rampant in the Hurasagar River of Bera Upazila, Pabna. A local influential group is reportedly extracting and selling sand openly, despite regulations, raising questions about the administration's silence on the matter.

Sources indicate that river dredging is currently underway as part of the Bangali-Karatoa, Fuljor-Hurasagar river system dredging/re-excavation and bank protection project. While the rules stipulate the use of a 26-inch dredger, the contractor is allegedly operating with an 18-inch dredger. Furthermore, excavated sand and soil are supposed to be stored in dykes and sold through an auction as per the District Water Resources Development and Management Committee's decision; however, this policy is reportedly not being followed.

Recent field visits to Brisalikha Ghat, Dakbanglo Ghat, Payna Ghat, and Mohanganj Ghat areas of Bera Upazila revealed that river dredging is being carried out with smaller dredgers, violating regulations. The excavated sand and soil have been piled on agricultural land along the riverbank. Alarmingly, the amount of sand being extracted is several times higher than the quantity stipulated for removal through river dredging in the contract. There are also allegations of continuous sand extraction throughout the night.

Moreover, the contractor is reportedly selling the excavated sand and soil publicly without conducting an auction. This was confirmed on-site, with sand being brought to the shore at Balgate and then transported by truck to various areas. Each truckload of sand/soil is being sold for Tk 1400-1600, according to truck drivers.

Beyond Hurasagar, some influential local political leaders are allegedly illegally extracting millions of cubic feet of sand daily from the Padma and Jamuna rivers. Currently, some BNP leaders are said to be involved in these illicit activities. Excessive sand extraction is causing damage to the riverbed, leading to erosion in various areas and harming agricultural land. Several riverside villages have already disappeared, and many more are under threat, leaving residents fearful of erosion.

Investigations have revealed that Jahan Khan, joint convener of Bera Municipality Jubo Dal, is allegedly illegally selling sand at Dakbangla Ghat. Abu Salek and Tutul are accused of illegal sand sales at Brisalika Ghat. Likhon, member secretary of Santhia Upazila Volunteer Dal, and Mosharraf, a member of Bera Upazila Jamaat Islami, are reportedly engaged in illegal sand sales at Adheen Nagar Point. These individuals are allegedly leveraging their political influence for illegal sand extraction and sale, yet no oversight is apparent.

Jahangir Hossain Jahan Khan, the accused joint convener of Bera Municipal Youth Party, denied any involvement in sand extraction and sale, claiming that false allegations are being made against him.

Bera Upazila Executive Officer Md. Morshedul Islam stated that there are no sand dunes in Bera Upazila. However, he confirmed that the army is undertaking a dredging project in the Hurasagar River, and BIWTA is conducting dredging in various parts of the Jamuna River to maintain navigability. He asserted that dredged material is being disposed of according to prescribed methods. He also mentioned that mobile courts, in cooperation with naval police, local police, and the army, are regularly conducting raids and filing cases whenever information about illegal sand extraction is received. He assured that legal action will continue against illegal sand extraction.

Bera Model Police Station OC Oliur Rahman commented, "The police have nothing to do here. The administration is above us. That's their job. When they conduct a raid, we will provide police assistance if they ask for it."

Zahidul Islam, executive engineer of the Bera Water Development Board and member secretary of the District Water Resources Development and Management Committee, clarified that the Pabna Water Development Board is not involved in this particular work, but rather the Water Development Boards of Bogra and Sirajganj districts are.

Mokhlesur Rahman, executive engineer of the Sirajganj District Water Development Board, stated, "It is controlled by the Bangladesh Army. We cannot say anything."

Regarding the allegations, BTC MLB JV Executive Director (Operations) Retired Major Sheikh Ashraful Bari said, "We have no connection with those who are cutting and selling with Bangla dredgers; we are cutting according to the rules. Those who are cutting and selling in this way are illegal."

It is worth noting that the dredging work of the Bangali-Karatoa, Fuljor-Hurasagar river system dredging/re-excavation and bank protection project was initially slated for completion by March 31, 2024. However, the contractor failed to meet the deadline, leading to a first-phase extension until February 28, 2025. As the work remained incomplete, a second-phase extension has been granted until June 30, 2025.

Concerned circles have alleged that the contractor is profiting by extracting and selling large quantities of sand/soil, while repeatedly extending the deadline under the pretext of being unable to complete the work.

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