Coast Guard seizes five dredgers in illegal sand mining drive in Madaripur
The Bangladesh Coast Guard has seized five dredgers and a sand excavator used for illegal sand extraction from the Padma River near Kathalbari Ghat, Madaripur.
The joint operation commenced around 5:00 p.m. on Monday, 21 July 2025, following receipt of secret intelligence. The Coast Guard Composite Station Padma, together with the Bangladesh Army and police, conducted the raid under the jurisdiction of Shibchar Police Station.
Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, media officer of the Coast Guard, confirmed the development Wednesday afternoon.
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During the raid, five dredgers and one sand excavator were caught in the act of illegal sand mining. The joint force then seized the equipment and handed it over to the Shibchar Naval Police for legal proceedings.
After the equipment was seized, a mobile court led by an executive magistrate fined the accused Tk93,750. The individual detained during the operation was released on bond once the fine was paid.
The Coast Guard official added that they will continue operations to prevent illegal sand mining and protect agricultural land and riverbank settlements from damage caused by uncontrolled sandbar formation.
