Rajshahi, Apr 08 (V7N) – A local court in Rajshahi has imposed a six-month ban on all sand mining operations in the district, instructing involved revenue payers to resolve the ongoing legal and administrative disputes. The order has been formally communicated to the District Commissioner.

The court's intervention follows increasing tension over sand extraction rights in the Padma River, especially after allegations that approved revenue payers were denied access to extract sand despite holding a No Objection Certificate from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). A local source warned that continued obstruction could lead to "unpleasant incidents" in the region.

The issue has been ongoing since 2007 when Messrs. Barendra Associates, represented by BNP's Boalia Thana West Joint Convener Khandaker Sajedul Islam Tarek, first filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court. The High Court permitted the extraction of 2 million cubic feet of sand. However, Tarek alleges that interference from the local administration and ruling party members blocked implementation, despite revenue payments totaling Tk 660,000.

BNP leaders renewed their plea on March 17, 2025, in a meeting with Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar. They submitted legal documentation, including the High Court ruling and BIWTA's 2007 no-objection letter. The Deputy Commissioner reportedly assured them of action, but a fresh court petition was filed on October 21, 2024, by Mahfuza Morshed of Barendra Associates to enforce the earlier verdict.

Finance-related complications have deepened the issue. Tarek emphasized that the state has already accepted revenue from sand quarry operators, and thus cannot lawfully withhold extraction rights. The latest High Court ruling now instructs either the granting of sand mining rights or the return of paid dues, underscoring the legal and ethical obligations of the state.

As the government floats a new tender for sand extraction from the Balumahal (sand quarry) area, the court has intervened to freeze all mining activity temporarily. The next steps will depend on negotiations between former revenue payers, administrative bodies, and legal representatives. BNP leaders, including Shamsul Hossain Milu and other local figures, remain actively engaged in seeking resolution.

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