Kushtia Correspondent:

Illegal sand extraction from the Padma River is continuing unabated in Daulatpur Upazila of Kushtia, defying a government ban. The operation is reportedly guarded by armed criminals, placing vast stretches of cropland, homesteads, and a critical embankment at serious risk. Locals allege that despite continuous dredging from deep sections of the river, the administration has failed to take effective action against an influential syndicate involved in the activity.

There is a High Court ban on sand extraction from the Padma River along the Kushtia stretch. However, in blatant disregard of the order, the illegal sand trade is being operated under the direct patronage of influential political leaders and business groups from Rajshahi and Kushtia. Residents say anyone who protests is threatened and intimidated, forcing locals to remain silent at gunpoint.

A visit to the area shows that multiple dredgers are operating day and night at several points in Daulatpur and Bheramara upazilas. This has altered the river’s natural flow and increased the risk of erosion along the banks. According to local farmers, cropland in various areas has already been swallowed by the river, while in some places, farmland is being damaged by illegally dumped sand.

Abdul Malek, a resident of Choudahazar, said, “Sand is being extracted right beside the embankment, yet no one is stopping it. If this continues, we will one day lose our homesteads.”

An investigation found that a firm named Messrs Sarkar Traders is leading the illegal sand business. The company was legally leased 24 acres of land in Bagha Upazila of Rajshahi for sand extraction. However, due to insufficient sand there, it has allegedly been extracting sand illegally from the Moricha and Philipnagor areas of Daulatpur upazila in Kushtia, on the opposite bank of the Padma. Local groups known as the “Gittu Bahini” and “Sohag Bahini” are said to be assisting the operation.

When contacted, Rajshahi Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Sabur Ali told journalists, “Sand extraction outside the leased area is completely illegal. Necessary action will be taken in this regard.”

Violence linked to illegal sand extraction has already been reported. On July 11, a group of armed criminals arrived by speedboat and opened indiscriminate fire at the Fayzullahpur ghat in Bheramara upazila, leaving local resident Amrul Gain injured by gunfire. Although a case has been filed with Bheramara police station, no suspects have been arrested so far.

Locals said that years of illegal sand extraction in Philipnagor and Moricha unions have already forced thousands of families to lose their homesteads and arable land. Despite this, they allege there has been no effective administrative action. Residents are afraid to speak out, as armed criminals reportedly rush to the area to issue threats and fire shots whenever any information comes to light. Gripped by fear, locals have demanded an immediate halt to illegal sand extraction and that those involved be brought to justice. They have also alleged that sand is being illegally extracted with the connivance of the river police.

Asked about the allegations, Superintendent of Police of the river police unit in charge of the Padma, BM Nuruzzaman, told journalists, “Strict action will be taken against armed criminals. At the same time, operations to stop illegal sand extraction will be intensified.”

Officials of the Kushtia office of the Bangladesh Water Development Board said illegal sand extraction from the river is weakening the Padma’s protective embankment. As soil beneath the structure is being washed away, there is a risk of major erosion at any time, which could lead to flooding across the entire area.

Daulatpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Anindya Guha told journalists, “I have only recently taken charge. However, if information about illegal activities is received, legal action will be taken.”

A district administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said drives against illegal sand extraction are conducted regularly. However, due to the influence of the syndicate, those involved often manage to flee. He assured that joint operations, including mobile courts, would be strengthened further in the coming days.

River experts said sand on the riverbed acts as a natural shield, protecting riverbanks from the force of currents and helping prevent erosion. Sand and gravel also play a crucial role in sustaining aquatic life, including providing habitat and food for fish.

Commenting on the issue, Professor Dr. Mohammad Najmul Islam of the Department of Geography and Environment at Pabna University of Science and Technology told journalists, “Excessive and unplanned excavation through dredging or pit digging at one location affects the entire river system. It can alter the river’s natural course and trigger erosion. If illegal sand extraction is not stopped immediately, agricultural land and riverbank settlements in Kushtia and Pabna will face a major disaster.”