Sand is being extracted and sold openly from the Goalda-Ghoshal sand quarry in Sreepur Upazila of Magura, despite the expiry of the government lease, with locals alleging that an influential circle is plundering state resources in full view of the administration.
Hundreds of truckloads of sand are being transported daily to various areas of the district, causing the government to lose significant revenue and severely damaging vital public roads due to heavy truck movement, locals said.
According to local sources, the term of the last lease for the Ghoshal sand quarry ended on 30 Chaitra (13 April). Although the leasing process should have been completed through a new tender at the beginning of the new financial year, it remains unfinished. However, sand extraction has not ceased despite the lack of a valid lease.
A recent physical inspection of the site revealed multiple excavators and dump trucks cutting sand from the riverbank and loading it onto vehicles. These trucks are then dispatched to Magura and surrounding districts using specific “slips”. Residents claim operations continue from dawn until late at night.
Multiple individuals, speaking on condition of anonymity, said approximately 100 to 200 trucks of sand are extracted every day. It is alleged that Tk1,200 to Tk1,500 is collected per truck through several appointed managers. They further alleged that the entire operation is conducted by leveraging political influence.
The movement of illegally loaded trucks has severely damaged various sections of the road from Goalda Bazar to Magura town. The important thoroughfare is now riddled with large potholes and craters, causing daily suffering for students, labourers, emergency vehicles, and general passengers.
Expressing frustration, one local resident noted that hundreds of trucks are transporting sand daily, making it impossible for the administration to be unaware. Another resident questioned under whose authority the sand is being extracted without a government lease and called for an investigation into who is profiting from the sale of state property.
Dariapur Union BNP President Rafiqul Islam Pradip said the matter is being discussed at various levels, with reports circulating regarding the involvement of political and influential circles in the sand trade.
Dariapur Union Parishad Chairman Golam Maula said there is no legality in extracting sand without a lease, adding that the administration is aware but only they can explain why no action has been taken.
Sreepur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Nazmul Islam initially claimed the lease term extended until June 30, but later clarified it had expired on 31 Chaitra. He maintained there is no provision for sand extraction without a lease and said necessary action will be taken upon receipt of a written complaint.
