Writ challenges approval for sand extraction for Matarbari port road project
The writ was filed today by lawyer Sohana Sharmin in the public interest, questioning the legality of the approval for sand extraction from the Maheshkhali coast and the fixing of its price.
A Supreme Court lawyer has filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the decision to extract 6.35 crore cubic feet of sand for the construction of a road to Matarbari Deep Sea Port in Cox's Bazar's Maheshkhali.
The writ was filed today (16 June) by lawyer Sohana Sharmin in the public interest, questioning the legality of the approval for sand extraction from the Maheshkhali coast and the fixing of its price.
According to the petition, under standard procedures, contractors usually carry out dredging and sand extraction at their own cost, while the government pays for the work as per contractual terms.
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However, in this case, the cost of dredging has been adjusted against the price of sand, which the petition says has reduced state revenue and goes against public interest and financial discipline.
The writ also seeks a review of the approval process, pricing decisions, and related administrative actions.
It further requests a judicial inquiry into possible revenue losses and allegations of preferential treatment for a particular entity.
Petitioner Sohana Sharmin said, "The writ has been filed to ensure transparency, accountability and the rule of law in the management of state assets."
The sand extraction has been approved for the construction of a port road in Matarbari.
The district administration granted permission in April to extract 6.35 crore cubic feet of sand from the Maheshkhali channel.
The decision has triggered environmental concerns, with critics warning of potential ecological damage.
On 7 April, three environmental organisations submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner seeking cancellation of the approval.
They argued that sand extraction from the ecologically critical Maheshkhali channel could endanger the 1,700-foot runway extension at Cox's Bazar Airport, increase river erosion, restrict water flow and damage biodiversity.
Separately, concerns have also been raised over the pricing of the sand. While the market price is Tk16 per cubic foot, the sand is reportedly being sold to the contractor for Tk2.37 per cubic foot.
The Cox's Bazar District Balumahal Management Committee approved the rate on 2 April. The committee is chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan.
