N’ganjj illegal sand extraction changing river courses

Mushtaq Ahmed Shawon :

Powerful groups in Narayanganj are illegally extracting sand from rivers using dredgers, leading to the loss of navigability and disruption of natural river flow and balance. This destructive activity is also endangering freshwater fish populations.
Locals allege that these illegal sand extraction operations are being carried out with the tacit approval of authorities, who are being bribed. However, environmental activists and local residents are demanding strict legal action against these operators to save the rivers. In response, the Narayanganj River Port Authority (BIWTA) has assured that they will soon launch eviction drives and take firm measures against these activities.
A visit to several rivers reveals rows of illegal dredgers along the banks, actively extracting sand. This is causing rivers to lose their navigability and pushing them towards extinction. Illegal dredging operations are visible in the Meghna, Brahmaputra, Buriganga, and Shitalakshya rivers in Narayanganj. Residents claim that influential groups have been extracting sand illegally for years by managing the authorities. In the past, the dredging took place openly during the day.
However, to avoid detection by joint forces, these operations are now conducted under the cover of darkness, protected by criminal gangs.
This has led to severe disruption of river flow and balance, wiping out traditional river ecosystems and delicious freshwater fish. Even the breeding of hilsa fish is now at risk.
A local resident said, “The river police or administration never come here or check what’s going on. We, the local people, are in trouble. If anyone protests, they are threatened with weapons or beaten up. People are too afraid to speak out against them.”
Environmental organizations have called for immediate legal action against these illegal sand extractors to protect the rivers.
Mohammad Hossain, Chairman of the Environmental Protection and Development Society, said, “Year after year, illegal dredgers are destroying our rivers. Fish are no longer available as they used to be, and hilsa breeding is in danger. We urge the current government to save our rivers by any means necessary. Those involved in the illegal sand trade must be brought to justice and given strict punishment, or it will be impossible to save the rivers.”
Meanwhile, BIWTA Narayanganj River Port Deputy Director Mobarak Hossain Mojumder stated that surveillance is ongoing to stop illegal sand extraction, and an operation will soon be conducted with the support of the river police.
He added, “The river police regularly monitor the rivers. Additionally, we conduct eviction drives from time to time. However, during daytime operations, we do not come across these illegal dredgers because they extract sand late at night or in the early hours of the morning. We will soon take action against them. With the help of the river police, we will conduct an operation to remove these dredgers.”
The BIWTA official also mentioned that over the past year, more than 50 illegal dredgers were removed during various eviction drives in Narayanganj.