13 held, Tk3.3 lakh fine imposed in drive against illegal sand extraction along Sitakunda coast

A joint drive by the Chittagong Port Authority and the Sitakunda upazila administration yesterday (26 February) resulted in the detention of 13 people and fines on vessels and businesses worth Tk3.3 lakh for illegally extracting sand along the Sitakunda coast.

The three-hour operation began around 11 am and covered several coastal points, including Kumira, Bashbaria, Barabkunda and Guliakhali, following allegations of unlawful sand lifting along the shoreline, according to a press release.

The drive was led by Executive Magistrate Sadia Afrin Kochi of the Chittagong Port Authority and Sitakunda Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun.
During the drive, authorities found sand being extracted from the sea without permission and transported using bulkhead vessels and dredgers.

A total of 13 individuals were detained over their alleged involvement in illegal extraction and transportation. Mobile courts fined several vessels and firms found involved in the offences.

MB Rakib-1 bulkhead was fined Tk20,000, MB Nahid Labib dredger of (Messrs Miya Khan Enterprise) Tk50,000, Messrs MR Traders Tk60,000, MB Afra Munshi bulkhead Tk20,000, MB Faiza and Maisha Transport bulkhead Tk20,000, Ya Allah dredger Tk50,000, Messrs Junayed Enterprise dredger Tk50,000, Ekram Junayed bulkhead Tk20,000, MB Mokka Madina bulkhead Tk20,000 and Faria Isa bulkhead Tk20,000.

Officials warned that stricter action will follow if illegal sand extraction continues.

They said equipment used in future violations may be seized, offenders could face imprisonment, and leases may be cancelled in case of contract breaches.

Authorities said such drives will continue to prevent environmental damage and ensure compliance with maritime and land management regulations along the Sitakunda coastal belt.