Illegal sand mining has become a significant environmental issue, with recent reports shedding light on the extent of this damaging activity. Along the Meghna River in Munshiganj Sadar upazila, groups with political connections, reportedly led by local BNP leaders, are extracting sand beyond their permitted areas, endangering fertile farmlands. Despite efforts by the authorities to stop the illegal mining through raids, fines, and arrests, the extraction continues unabated, causing erosion and encroaching on agricultural land. A report by Prothom Alo highlighted that the sand extractors often receive advance notice of raids, enabling them to relocate their equipment from unauthorized areas, indicating collusion and governance failures.
Similar instances of environmental degradation, administrative inaction, and political shielding have been observed in Narsingdi, Moulvibazar, Sylhet, Chandpur, and Rangpur. In Narsingdi’s Raipura upazila, sand traders associated with an organized armed group linked to influential political figures have taken control of the Meghna, resorting to violence against villagers and even attacking law enforcement teams. In Moulvibazar, despite numerous raids resulting in the confiscation of sand worth Tk 17 crore, illegal mining activities persist, causing damage to infrastructure and riverbanks. These incidents point to a widespread and profitable underground economy supported by political power and administrative compromises.
The consequences of illegal sand mining, such as riverbank erosion, habitat destruction, and waterway instability, are devastating ecosystems and livelihoods simultaneously. Productive farmlands are disappearing, as evidenced in Munshiganj’s Charmsura, where farmers have lost significant portions of their land. The unregulated extraction also disrupts fish breeding cycles, violating ministry regulations during the Hilsa spawning season. This degradation not only jeopardizes local food security but also undermines public confidence in government agencies responsible for environmental protection.
The persistence of these illicit practices highlights an enforcement crisis. Local administrations often blame budget constraints or insufficient manpower, but these excuses have been ongoing for years. Authorities need to address these issues promptly. Political commitment is crucial, with leases needing to be revoked immediately upon violations, and officials failing to act decisively should face disciplinary action. Transparent communication and coordination among the ministries of land, fisheries, and environment are vital. The government must dismantle the networks shielding illegal mining operations, impose stringent penalties, and ensure that authorized mining activities adhere to legal and ecological boundaries.