A mobile court has sentenced four individuals to 30 days’ imprisonment for illegal sand extraction from the riverbank near Alipur Bridge in Dowarabazar Upazila, Sunamganj. The names and identities of those arrested are:
• Liton Mia (Harinaparty village)
• Kamal (Rangarchar Union)
• Faruk Mia (Rangarchar Union)
• Faruk Ali (Nearby village)
In a joint preliminary investigation, police and the upazila administration found that an organized gang was using dredgers and other equipment to extract sand illegally in the area where the bridge is under construction. Upon arrival, the administration launched an operation. Executive Magistrate Arup Ratan Singh took swift action, citing the risk to river flow, embankment safety, and local livelihoods.
The sentence was carried out under the provisions of the “Sand and Soil Management Act, 2010.” The magistrate noted that excessive sand removal from the riverbank alters water flow and increases flood risk for nearby homes.
The upazila administration has vowed to continue regular raids to protect the local river and bring offenders to justice.