Illegal sand extraction from the Teesta River in the Char Haripur area of Haripur Union, Sundarganj upazila, Gaibandha, is putting the newly constructed Haripur Teesta Bridge at risk before its official opening.
The sand is being dredged just 400–500 meters from the bridge using excavators, then transported through pipes to nearby land beside the approach road.
The bridge, located on the Gaibandha–Kurigram border, was built at a cost of Tk925 crore and is scheduled to open for traffic on August 25.
Locals allege that, with the help of Haripur Union Parishad Chairman Mazharul Islam, an influential group is extracting sand in violation of the Sand Quarry and Soil Management Act 2010, which prohibits sand lifting within one kilometer of a bridge. They warn that both the bridge and nearby farmland are now in danger.
Residents say the operation is led by Mojahar, son of Ismail Pagla and a village police member, along with several others who have been in the sand trade for years. Due to the remote char location and backing from powerful quarters, no one dares to intervene.
Local resident Azgar Ali said, “The bridge approach road and farmland are under threat because of sand lifting. The administration knows about it but is not taking action.” Despite administrative efforts, sand extraction continues.
On July 5, naval police in Chilmari stopped a dredger and detained one person, but attackers freed him from custody. Although a case was filed, the accused secured bail and resumed operations.
Recently, sand was seen being lifted on the river’s northeast side, with bulkheads mounted on bamboo and drums, powered by shallow machines. The sand is being stockpiled beside the bridge’s approach road.
Chairman Mazharul Islam denied the allegations, claiming no one is openly extracting sand from the river or running a sand business, adding that the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) might be doing so officially.
Sundarganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Raj Kumar Biswas vowed to bring illegal sand extractors to justice quickly. Gaibandha LGED Executive Engineer Ujjal Chowdhury stated that no irregular sand lifting is allowed near the bridge, warning it could damage the bridge and embankment, and promised swift action.
The tender for the 1,490-meter-long bridge was floated in November 2018, and construction was carried out by China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. However, even before its inauguration, concerns have arisen over its long-term durability due to the ongoing illegal dredging.