Khandaker Delwar Hossain, Cumilla
Illegal dredging is reportedly destroying fertile agricultural land in Brahmanpara upazila of Cumilla, with dozens of dredgers allegedly operating across the area in collusion with unscrupulous land officials.
Locals allege that more than 50 dredgers are operating in the upazila, extracting soil from three-crop farmland and filling ponds, canals and low-lying areas. They also allege that a large-scale bribery network involving some land officials is allowing the illegal business to continue unchecked.
Some dredger operators reportedly claim that they have to pay Tk 20,000 to Tk 50,000 a month to unscrupulous officials to keep their machines running. They also allege that some journalists and other influential people are being ‘managed’ to ensure that the business continues.
Field visits found dredgers operating in all eight unions of the upazila. In Madhabpur Union alone, around 25 dredgers were reportedly operating in areas including Uttar Chandla, Balakia, Barani, Jamtali, Bhangabrij, Dadhikhla, Kandughar, Nonadi and Madhabpur. Similar activities were reported in Baradhushia, Sabujpara, Khalifapara, Char Fatar and other areas of Chandla Union.
Illegal dredging was also reported in Golabaria, Berakhola, Purba Pomkara, Dighirpar, Larucho and several wards of Shidlai Union. In Nagais area of Shashidal Union, several dredgers were reportedly extracting soil from the Ghungur River day and night. Similar operations were reported in Nagais, Harimangal, Sajghar, Chowbbas and Deuse.
Dredging was also reported in Sahebabad, Jiruin, Takoi and Chhatianit areas of Sahebabad Union, while large areas of agricultural land in Kalapanir Jola of Malapara Union are reportedly facing destruction. Three or four dredgers were found operating at a single location in some areas. Similar activities were reported in Purba Chandipur, Ramnagar, Dulalpur and Sadar Union.
Farmers and affected landowners, speaking on condition of anonymity, said dredger operators often begin by installing machines on small plots of land. Once the surrounding soil starts collapsing, neighbouring landowners are allegedly forced to sell their land at low prices.
‘We are virtually held hostage by the dredger operators,’ several affected residents said. They alleged that the operators use their political influence and money to continue the business and that complaints to the land office often fail to produce results because the dredger operators are allegedly informed in advance.
The illegal extraction is also reportedly changing the classification of agricultural land, with farmland being turned into ponds, water bodies and homesteads. Residents fear that hundreds of acres of cultivable land could eventually disappear if the practice continues.
Although the extraction of soil from agricultural land by dredgers is prohibited, residents allege that occasional drives by the authorities have had little lasting impact. They said some pipes are destroyed during such drives, but dredging resumes soon afterwards.
When contacted, Brahmanpara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Munni Islam said dredging could not be allowed on agricultural land under any circumstances.
‘If anyone is involved, an investigation will be conducted and action will be taken,’ she said, adding that drives against illegal dredgers would be conducted soon.
The allegations of bribery and collusion involving land officials could not be independently verified. #EK
