SAHIDUL ISLAM NIRAB, Jamalpur

Illegal sand extraction continues unabated in Jamalpur’s Madarganj, Melandah, Sarishabari, Bakshiganj, and Jamalpur Sadar upazilas, posing serious threats to farmland, riverbanks, bridges, residences, and local communities.

Despite multiple government crackdowns, syndicates continue to operate without fear of punishment, causing irreversible damage to the environment and livelihoods.

In Madarganj’s Hatmagura village, locals staged a human chain and protest rally on March 9 against the illegal extraction of sand from fertile, three-crop farmlands using dredger machines.

Protesters alleged that BNP leader Mojibur Rahman and Awami League leader Mostafizur Rahman are involved in the sand extraction, destroying hundreds of acres of agricultural land. Farmers have demanded immediate intervention from the authorities.

Mojibur Rahman denied the allegations, claiming that he legally purchased the land and is extracting sand for road construction.

Madarganj Assistant Commissioner (Land) Sayeda Khanom Liza said despite repeated drives to stop sand extraction, it cannot be fully prevented. The relentless extraction is endangering the region’s agricultural resources.

In Melandah upazila, unregulated sand mining from the Madardah river poses a severe threat to nearby bridges, homes, and farmlands.

Locals alleged that traders continue extracting sand using excavators, disregarding prohibitions on such practices. BNP leader Farhad Hossain Mintu

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