Padma river banks in threat of erosion

The illegal sand extraction is going on in the Padma River at Bhandara in Pabna Sadar Upazila. This festival of sand extraction is going on through the influential syndicate of Pabna and Kushtia by managing the administration. Due to sand mining along the river banks, severe erosion has started. As a result, the cropland of the farmers is disappearing into the riverbed.

It was known that Abdul Alim, an associate of former MP Selim Altaf George of Kushtia-4 constituency, and Sultan Mahmud Khan, chairman of Bhandara Union Parishad of Pabna, and influential syndicate controlled by local Awami League (AL) leaders are leading the great work of sand extraction.

Besides, sand extraction is going on by managing the concerned quarters of the administration including the river police. On September 4, three farmers were beaten to death for refusing to extract sand. No one dares to speak against them out of fear.

It was seen that sand is being extracted openly by installing 15 to 20 dredgers in Char Kanthagajra area of Bharara Union of Pabna Sadar Upazila. Looking at the sand extraction scene, it looks like a river port. Hundreds of trawlers are transporting the sand to different places including Bhandara, Dogachhi, Pakshi, Sujanagar, Pangsha, Kumarkhali and Rajbari of Kushtia. Sand is extracted at least Tk 1 crore every day.

Several farmers, wishing anonymity, said, "They are extracting sand with weapons on boats. This work has been going on for years. We thought sand mining would stop after the fall of the government. But we don't see any initiative from the administration. And if we protest, we are threatened with death."

Abdul Alim, an associate of former MP Selim Altaf George of Kushtia-4 constituency, could not be reached for comment.

However, Sultan Mahmud Khan, chairman of Bhandara Union Parishad in Pabna, said, "Sand has been extracted for the last one month. But I'm not involved in that. My involvement is nothing but a false allegation."

The district administration, including the superintendent of police, could not be reached for comment. Saidur Rahman, in-charge of Nazirganj Naval Police Outpost in Pabna, said, "They fled when we went for an operation. We also have less manpower. Even then, we will conduct the operation again after talking to the higher authorities."

Pabna Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shamima Sultana said, "Who is extracting sand and how? Give us the right information. We will conduct operations there."

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Pabna Jahangir Alam told reporters, "I do not know about the sand extraction. Provide information with video. We will resist the operation."

ZH