Rampant illegal sand extraction from the Dharla river in the Char Sonaikaji and Char Jatin areas of Shimulbari union in Kurigram's Phulbari upazila is posing a threat to the foundations of Dharla Bridge.

Nazrul Islam, president of the Shimulbari union unit of BNP, has allegedly been running the illegal sand trade for the past three months in association with other local BNP members.

The site of sand extraction is barely 100 metres away from the bridge that connects the Lalmonirhat-Phulbari road over the river.

Locals alleged that around 150-160 sand-laden tractors extract and transport sand from the site to other places daily as part of an illegal trade operated by local BNP leaders and activists.

Afiul Islam, a local BNP activist, was observed counting sand-laden tractors with four other men and taking Tk 300 from each driver.

They collect Tk 45,000-48,000 daily from selling sand and share the money among local BNP members, alleged locals.

Afiul said Nazrul Islam coordinates the sand extraction from the river.

"Sand carried by each tractor is sold for Tk 1,200-1,300. The local BNP members take Tk 300 from each tractor driver. Some 15-20 tractors are engaged in sand extraction on the site daily," said a tractor driver.

Contacted, Nazrul Islam said, "I am not directly involved in sand extraction from the river. Some 20-25 people from our party are involved in it. I am only assisting them."

"Earlier, local Awami League members used to extract sand from the river and sell it. Now we are doing it. When you come to Phulbari, let's meet and have a cup of tea," he told this correspondent.

Mamunur Rahman, the upazila engineer in Phulbari, said rampant sand extraction from the river in the vicinity of the bridge may threaten its foundation by making it vulnerable and risky.

"Steps will be taken to stop the illegal sand lifting after talking to the upazila nirbahi officer," he added.

Phulbari UNO Rehenuma Tarannum said a drive will be launched against illegal sand extraction from the river soon.