Over 1,800 stolen concrete blocks returned to embankment in Netrokona

More than 1,800 concrete blocks stolen from a crop protection embankment in Netrokona have been returned after the local administration called on residents to restore them.

The blocks came from the Chikadubi embankment beside Barantar village in Gaglajur union, part of the Haijda embankment project. The 250-metre structure was built to stop water from the Gajaria River entering the haor. The Water Development Board said the government spent about Tk 1.20 crore on the project, using roughly 19,940 blocks.

Locals said people had removed blocks from the embankment over a long period. Some allegedly sold them, while others used them in homes and other structures. After media reports highlighted the theft, the administration and police investigated. WDB sub-assistant engineer Md Enayet Hossain said a police complaint had been filed and that residents began returning blocks on August 30.

Mohanganj police chief Md Hafizul Islam Harun said officers inspected the site and confirmed the allegations. He said residents were asked to return the blocks voluntarily, but warned, “The matter will be dealt with strictly until all the blocks are returned. Legal action will be taken if these blocks are found in anyone’s home.”

Mohanganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Amena Khatun said a seven-day deadline had been set through an initiative by local residents. She said legal action would follow if stolen blocks remained in anyone’s possession after the deadline.

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The matter will be dealt with strictly until all the blocks are returned. Legal action will be taken if these blocks are found in anyone’s home.