A local BNP leader has been accused of illegally extracting sand from the Fulkumari River in Bhurungamari upazila of Kurigram, raising fears of erosion among residents. Locals allege that Yusuf Ali, the Organising Secretary of Pathordubi Union BNP, has been operating a dredger to extract and sell sand regularly, putting nearby houses, farmland, and the Thanaghat market area at risk.
Despite repeated objections from locals, the sand lifting continues, causing growing concern among the riverbank communities. “If this continues, our homes will collapse into the river,” said Malida Begum, a resident. Another local, Rezia Begum, added, “We can’t sleep at night, always fearing erosion.”
Rokonuzzaman Rokon, the Bhurungamari Upazila Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said, “Sand is being lifted using dredgers, putting the local market and nearby settlements in danger. If the administration fails to act, there could be major damage.”
Initially unwilling to comment, Yusuf Ali later claimed, “The land on both sides of the river belongs to us, so we are lifting sand.”
Pathordubi Union Chairman Abdus Sabur said he was unaware of the matter but promised to look into it. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Golam Ferdous confirmed he had received complaints and said relevant departments would be instructed to take necessary action.
Locals allege that sand lifting has continued unchecked for a long time, with little oversight from the authorities, allowing influential individuals to exploit river resources through political connections and extortion.
LND/SAE
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