BNP leader accused of backing illegal sand extraction amid river erosion fears in Bangladesh

Sand extraction operations are reportedly continuing unabated along an erosion-prone stretch of the Tetulia river in Patuakhali’s Bauphal, allegedly with the support of a local BNP leader. This activity persists despite the government’s suspension of quarry leases, according to local residents.

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we were extracting sand under an arrangement with Md Humayun Kabir, president of Bauphal Municipality BNP.

The ongoing operation, which locals say runs from late night through most of the day, is accelerating riverbank erosion. This is threatening croplands, educational institutions, and settlements. During a recent visit, four dredgers were observed extracting sand near the confluence of the Tetulia and Kalaiya rivers. The extracted sand was being stockpiled on floating bulk carriers before transport for sale.

An operator of a bulk carrier identified the operation as being conducted under an arrangement with Md Humayun Kabir, president of Bauphal Municipality BNP. Another supervisor confirmed they were working on Kabir’s instructions, reportedly paying between Tk 0.40 and Tk 0.50 per cubic foot of sand. Each carrier holds about 2,500 cubic feet, with two to three filled daily.

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we were working on Humayun’s instructions.

Despite the District Sand Quarry Management Committee’s decision to invite tenders for leasing a submerged quarry in the area, the lease process was suspended by higher authorities due to the region’s high vulnerability to erosion. Residents have already lost homes, a mosque, and over 200 acres of cropland to the river. Kabir’s son claimed legal extraction under a lease valid until June 30, but officials stated the lease expired on April 13. Bauphal BNP Convener Taslim Talukdar expressed concern over the alleged activities tarnishing the party’s image and promised an investigation.

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If that is the case, then it is wrong. Such activities tarnish the party’s image. We will look into the matter seriously.

The executive engineer of the Patuakhali Water Development Board acknowledged that sand extraction would worsen bank erosion in the highly vulnerable area. The Bauphal Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed that no sand quarry lease had been issued for this section of the river and stated that stern action would be taken against illegal extraction once the weather improved, as enforcement drives had been delayed by inclement conditions.

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most of the Tetulia river in Bauphal was highly erosion-prone and that sand extraction would worsen bank erosion.