Sand worth Tk3cr stolen after embankment cut in Manu River

Moulvibazar Correspondent:

A sand-selling frenzy is underway in Kulaura, Moulvibazar, in apparent defiance of authorities, raising concerns over riverbank erosion and revenue loss. Locals allege that Deepak Dey, a resident of Prithimpasha Union, is operating a sand-sucking business along the Manu River. A Sylhet-based contractor, Jamil Iqbal, is accused of using sand worth over Tk 3 crore from the Dhaliar Char area for construction of the Rajapur Bridge connecting road. Scenes have been reported of sand being taken from Dhaliar Char near Rajapur Bridge, depriving the government of significant revenue. This year, the Balumahal of the Manu River was leased by Nazmun Nahar Lipi, wife of Jubo League General Secretary Salim Ahmed of Satiyajuri Union in Chunarughat Upazila. Although Deepak Dey was not a lessee this year, he has reportedly gained control over the sand business through a relationship with Lipi. Residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, claim that over the past year, Dey and Iqbal have illegally extracted sand from Alinagar and Dhaliar Char, selling it for over Tk 3 crore. During previous administrations, they allegedly leveraged connections with senior officials at upazila and district levels to continue their business. Despite administrative fines exceeding Tk 10 lakh, Dey has continued operations. The large-scale transportation of sand in heavy vehicles is causing serious damage to the river embankment. Student leader Faizul Haque, a Prithimpasha Union resident, said, “A few years ago, vegetables were cultivated across this char of the Manu River. Now the entire char has been destroyed by sand thieves.”

Akaid Hossain, manager of Jamil Iqbal’s company, claimed, “We legally purchase sand for road construction from Dey. It is not our responsibility to monitor how he procures it. If the sand is illegal, the administration should investigate.”

Deepak Dey defended his business, stating, “I extract sand according to the rules, but violations happen for money. The administration fines me if reported. I cannot comment on illegal sand mining elsewhere. If I am not caught red-handed, I can take and sell sand-that is the business.”