Illegal Sand Mining with Dredgers Right Under Administration’s Nose, in Bijoyanagar, B.Baria. 11 Influential Persons Named as Leaders.

Staff Correspondent, B.Baria. In Chandura, Budhanti, and Islampur areas of Bijoyanagar Upazila, Brahmanbaria, an illegal sand mining business is thriving with dredger machines set up right under the administration’s nose. Locals allege that under the leadership of 11 influential people, sand is being extracted from rivers and agricultural land at night and sold. During an on-site visit and in videos sent by locals, large piles of freshly extracted sand were seen stacked along the riverbank. Dredger pipes and machines were scattered all around. According to residents, the illegal sand mining is being led by Shihab, Khokon, Long-Haired Shahin, Taher Member, Captain, Shakib, Nazrul, Sharif, Hannan, Sajid Member, and Shafiq Mia. Under their patronage, dredgers have been operating for a long time at various points in Chandura, Budhanti, and Islampur. Several local residents, who requested anonymity, said that the dredgers run with loud noise from 12 AM till dawn every day. As a result, the riverbanks are eroding, agricultural land is being damaged, and water is getting polluted. Despite repeatedly informing the administration, no remedy has been found. Environmentalists say that extracting sand with dredgers in this way reduces the navigability of rivers, accelerates river erosion, and puts biodiversity at risk. When asked about this, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Bijoyanagar said, We have received the complaint. A swift investigation will be conducted and legal action will be taken through mobile court. Our operation against illegal sand extraction will continue. Locals have demanded that the dredgers be stopped immediately and strict action be taken against those involved.