Illegal Sand and Soil Extraction from Fuljor River in Sirajganj, Farmers Fear Losing Cropland
Allegations have been raised against a local Awami League leader over illegal extraction of sand and soil from the Fuljor River on the border of Raiganj and Ullapara upazilas in Sirajganj. Alongside fears of river erosion, cropland on the riverbank is now under threat, and local farmers and landowners have voiced anxiety about losing their land.
Local residents allege that under the leadership of Zakir Hossain, general secretary of Ward No. 7 Awami League of Hatikumrul union and a resident of Alokdia village, sand and soil have long been extracted from the Fuljor River using dredgers.
Visiting the Alokdia area, scenes of sand and soil being extracted by digging the riverbed could be seen. Residents claim the extraction work is gradually spreading towards nearby cropland, raising fears that riverbank land may fall into erosion risk.
According to locals, extraction was earlier done secretly, but it is now being carried out openly during the Durga Puja holiday. They allege continued extraction is weakening the riverbank, which could increase erosion risk in future.
Farmers cultivate paddy, wheat and other crops seasonally on this riverbank land. They fear that if extraction is not stopped, arable land could be lost to river erosion. That would reduce crop production and also threaten the livelihoods of farm-dependent families.
Chan Ali, a UP member from Alokdia village in Hatikumrul union, alleged that sand and soil are being extracted from the Fuljor River under Zakir Hossain's leadership, ignoring rules and regulations.
He said the riverbed has been dug to a considerable depth, and the extraction work is advancing towards cropland. This has created fears of erosion on the riverbank, he claimed.
Local landowners including Abdus Sattar, Monirul, Paran Akhtar Hossain and Shamim said extraction first began by cutting the riverbank. Now the work has come close to their cropland. If sand lifting continues in this way, they fear land damage as well as disruption to cultivation.
The landowners say they earn their living by cultivating paddy and wheat on this land. If the land is damaged, they will face financial loss.
Asked about the allegation, Zakir Hossain said he had leased land to a man named Jilani, and that man is extracting sand and soil there. He said they are also partners in the work, and claimed permission exists for the extraction.
However, Sirajganj Water Development Board executive engineer Sajjad Hossain said no permission had been given for sand or soil extraction in that area. According to him, the extraction work there is completely illegal. He advised contacting the upazila administration on the matter.
Local farmers and landowners now want the administration to take effective steps quickly to stop the extraction. Otherwise, they fear, the cropland on the Fuljor bank and the livelihoods of farm-dependent families will fall into even greater risk.
