Sand lifting threatens Faridpur river

Illegal lifting of sand from the Chandana river at Char Magchami in Madhukhali upazila poses a threat to agriculture and the people living along the river.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found lifting of sand by a dredger machine was going on and the sand is used in filling a ditch at Badhuli Khalkula Hafezia Madrasa under Jamalpur union in Baliakandi upazila of Rajbari. 

A sand worker, seeking anonymity, said Jamalpur Union Parishad Chairman Younus Ali has been lifting the sand for the last two weeks.

On condition of anonymity, a number of local people said Younus, also President of the madrasa managing committee, has been lifting the sand for the last 15 days which is posing a threat of erosion anytime.

“We told the chairman about the river erosion caused by the illegal sand lifting, but he did not pay any heed,” they added.

Refuting the allegation, Younus said he has no idea about who was lifting the sand and will take necessary step to stop it.

Baliakandi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Masum Reza said as the area is under the jurisdiction of Madhukhali upazila he informed the UNO concerned.

Being informed, a team led by Modhukhali Assistant Commissioner (Land) Monzur Hossian raided the area on Friday evening and stopped the illegal act.