Illegal sand extraction in Feni continues despite political shift

Since the downfall of the Awami League government in August, political activities in Feni have seen a notable shift, with many people, reportedly aligned with the BNP, resurfacing on the political scene.

This change in power dynamics has coincided with a significant increase in sand extraction from rivers, particularly in Sonagazi, Chhagolnaiya, and Parshuram upazilas of Feni district.

Local people have described the situation with a phrase "Awami League out, BNP in."

According to reports, several people, claimed to be BNP followers, have taken control over sand extraction sites.

There are also allegations of looting the extracted sand.

Following the political transition, some contractors previously aligned with the Awami League have vacated these sites, allowing opportunists to exploit the situation. But, the fears of retaliation have kept local residents silent about these activities.

Unregulated sand extraction has intensified under the pretext of flood relief and repair projects, with around 20 sites currently in operation.

This unchecked activity has led to significant erosion along riverbanks and the flattening of once-productive sandbanks.

Despite government regulations, some groups continue to flout the rules, extracting sand recklessly.

This has placed thousands of acres of land, homesteads, and parts of flood control embankments at risk of erosion and collapse.

In the last five years, of the eight designated sand extraction sites in Feni, only five have licensed contractors, while the remaining three have remained vacant despite repeated notifications. But, illegal sand extraction persists, with substantial financial gains for those involved.

The government earns Tk1 crore annually from the five licensed sites.

In Sonagazi Muhuri project area, illegal sand extraction is reportedly taking place at five locations, including near the Muhuri Regulator Bridge and the Shubpur Bridge, both of which face potential structural damage.

Dredgers are used to extract sand, which is transported through pipelines and later sold elsewhere.

Sources claim that two local groups are managing these illegal sand extraction operations.

One group is reportedly led by Khurshid Alam, the convenor of the Sonagazi Upazila Jubo Dal, while the other is associated with Imam Hossain, the general secretary of the same unit. Both individuals have denied involvement in illegal activities.

Similarly, Nur Hossain, acting general secretary of the Zia Parishad in the Kautali area, has been accused of controlling a sand extraction site without authorisation.

Kamrul Hasan, upazila nirbahi officer of Sonagazi, said that the administration has issued strict instructions to halt all unauthorised sand extraction from rivers.

"Commercial sand extraction must have prior permission from the administration, and necessary actions will be taken following investigations," he added.

Saiful Islam, deputy commissioner of Feni, assured that measures are being taken to curb illegal sand extraction.

"Periodic raids are being conducted, and if any illegal activities are detected, appropriate legal action, including fines, will follow," he said.

Mohammad Rashed Shahriar, executive engineer of the Feni Water Development Board, warned about the severe consequences of unregulated sand mining. "Erosion caused by illegal extraction could have devastating effects on the waterways and increase hardships for local residents," he said.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and report illegal activities to the authorities for prompt action.