Meghna becomes hub of sand mafia at Nabinagar 

NABINAGAR, B'BARIA, Jan 16: Illegal sand mining along the Meghna River in Char Lapang of Nabinagar Upazila, Brahmanbaria, has become a persistent problem, with the river turning into a de facto base for continuous unauthorised extraction.

Despite a recent mobile court operation led by the district administration, which temporarily halted the activity, the mining resumed the very next day, raising fresh concerns among locals about the effectiveness of administrative action.

The district administration in recent drive seized two dredgers and two bulkheads and arrested five individuals. However, the main orchestrators vacated the area before the raid, avoiding arrest.
Locals say that despite the seizure of some dredgers, mining resumed the next day with new dredgers operating in the river.

The unregulated extraction is altering the river's course, causing severe erosion along the banks and putting riverside villages at risk. Many families have already lost homes, and crops are threatened as riverbanks crumble.

Residents expressed frustration, noting that although low-level workers are arrested, the powerful figures controlling the sand mafia continue their activities without fear.

They warned that without continuous monitoring and strict action against the owners, the Meghna River and surrounding communities cannot be protected.

Nabinagar UNO Mahmudul Hasan said the illegal sand trade had been discussed at the district law and order meeting and promised strict action against offenders.

Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akter Jahan echoed the statement, saying, "Our stance against illegal sand mining is firm, and further legal action will be taken against those involved."

According to official records, the Nasirabad sand market was leased in 2025 for Tk 89,375,000 to M/s Samiul Traders, owned by influential BNP leader Shakhawat Hossain.

Since obtaining the lease, Hossain has reportedly violated government rules, placing dredgers 24/7 along the banks of char lands in Char Lapang, in breach of the authorised boundaries.

Allegations suggest that hundreds of local and neighbouring BNP leaders and armed associates are involved in this illegal sand business.