Unlicensed dredging has placed thousands of residents along Padma River at risk in Manikganj’s Harirampur.
For months, dredgers have been operating in Selimpur without oversight, accelerating erosion in an area already devastated by the river erosion.
Large swathes of Lecharagonj, Azimnagar and Sutalorie unions have already disappeared into the Padma, and locals fear the remaining settlements could vanish if the illegal extraction continues.
During a visit, residents said a group from Faridpur’s Decreerchar Union, including operators identified as Alam and Farid Khalasi, have been running the illegal operation for six to seven months under political protection.
They alleged the group spends money to ‘manage’ officials and media; locals too are afraid to speak as they received death threats.
Abdur Razzak of Notakhola said, “A vested group has been extracting sand illegally for a long time. We reported it repeatedly, but no action has been taken.”
Fela, a resident of Harihardia, said, “We have already lost so much land to the Padma. Whatever little remains may disappear any moment because of this dredging.”
Lecharagonj Union Parishad Chairperson Mozzem Hossen said he is aware of the situation and has informed higher authorities, stressing the need for immediate intervention.
Villagers demanded an immediate halt to the illegal extraction to protect the surviving settlements and infrastructure from further collapse.
When contacted, accused dredger operator Alam denied all allegations.
Harirampur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nahida Akter said, “I was not aware of the issue earlier. I am investigating and taking necessary steps.”
Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana said, “We have learned about it through you. Action will be taken following investigation.”
