TDS Desk:

Illegal soil extraction is going on unabated in the Puthia upazila of Rajshahi district, posing a serious threat to farmlands in the vicinity.

Many leaders and activists became millionaires during the ousted Hasina government in Puthia by soil extraction and digging ponds.

Although the government has changed, the soil mining is still underway as local administration is yet to take any action against the syndicate that has long been illegally extracting soil, the locals alleged.

Earlier, the mindless earth traders used to dig ponds by managing Awami League leaders and now as the administration is busy with reshuffle, local BNP leaders are using this opportunity to gain fortune, they said.

During an onsite visit on 2 September, correspondent saw soil extraction was underway in a few new places to make ponds in Sargachi Beel of the upazila. Work of pond digging was almost completed in some places, some remained half-finished and some were in progress.

Allegation of soil mining was raised against Sajedur Rahman, a businessman of Taherpur Bazar in Bagmara upazila and Shamsur Rahman Mintu, a former mayor of Taherpur municipality and BNP leader.

During the Awami League government, most soil extraction took place in upazila’s Belpukur, Shilmaria, Jeupara and Vallukgachi unions which has led to a significant reduction of croplands.

Locals said in some places, many common people’s lands were forcibly occupied by influential men and ponds were dug during the tenure of the previous government.

Residents of several villages protested the matter also formed human chains several times in this regard, but the land owners did not get any kind of support.

The same misdeed has started again triggering widespread anger and fear among the locals. Common people said that the Awami League used to do it now the BNP is doing it.

A few people including local Mosaddek Hossain, who is in charge of digging ponds there, said “Some ponds are being dug here. We are doing it by informing everyone. One of the ponds belongs to BNP leader and former mayor Shamsur Rahman Mintu and another to Sajedur Rahman.”

Sajedur Rahman could not be reached over the cell phone to make any comment on the matter despite several attempts. In this regard, Shamsur Rahman Mintu, said over the cell phone “The work to dig a pond is underway under the supervision of Kamal. It would take 3-4 more days to complete the work.”

However, Puthia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) AKM Noor Hossain Nirjhar said “Currently it is not possible to carry out raids due to the deteriorating law and order situation. After a few days, our drives will resume. Legal action will be taken against them.”

Sarkar Asim Kumar, additional deputy commissioner (revenue) said, “Law is equal for all, including Awami League and BNP, no matter whoever they are. Legal action will be taken against those who will not obey the law.”