Bagerhat, July 26 (V7N) – An alleged illegal sand extraction operation is underway in Barasia village under Chitalmari Upazila, Bagerhat district. The operation is reportedly being carried out by Sabbur Hawladar—the local Jamaat-e-Islami leader of Ward 3, Sadar Union—using a dredger machine, backed by what he claims to be a verbal permission from the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).
 
On Friday afternoon, a voice7news correspondent visited the site and observed the dredger extracting sand, which was then sold locally at a rate of Tk 8–9 per cubic foot. Sabbur maintained that he had received verbal approval from the UNO on condition that no harm is caused.
 
However, affected residents have a different perspective. Jesia, a local resident, stated: “Sand dredging has continued in the area for two consecutive days. My house is now cracking, soil is shifting, and my home is in danger.” Another villager reported that the dredging is causing land erosion, environmental damage, and threatening houses, farmland, and roads.
 
Sabbur’s daughter attempted to allay concerns, stating: “If your land is harmed within five years, we will compensate you.”
 
Local activists and residents allege that due to insufficient oversight by the administration, unauthorized dredging has been ongoing in Bagerhat for some time. They are demanding immediate cessation of this activity and legal action against those responsible.
 
In response, Chitalmari UNO Tapas Pal said: “I did not grant permission for sand extraction to anyone. I am reviewing the matter and necessary legal steps will be taken.”
 
Background & Context:
Illegal sand extraction using dredgers in Bangladesh has caused severe ecological damage, riverbank erosion, and threats to infrastructure and agricultural land. Similar illegal practices have been documented in Chitalmari Upazila and across Bagerhat district over the past years, despite existing bans and legal frameworks designed to regulate sand mining.
 
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