Attack and Firing Over Stopping Illegal Sand Mining, 4 Injured

In Bhola Sadar, an attack and gunfire occurred against local residents who tried to prevent illegal sand mining from the Meghna River, leaving four people injured, including three who were shot.

The incident took place on Saturday (15 November) around 11:30 am at Bhabanipur Char in Kachia Union, Sadar Upazila. The injured were admitted to Bhola 250-Bed General Hospital.

Police and local sources said that from the morning, sand was being extracted illegally using a dredger in the Bhabanipur Char area outside the government sand site. Over a hundred residents protested the illegal sand mining and informed the district and upazila administration.

Meanwhile, police and a magistrate were dispatched to take action against the illegal sand extraction. However, before their arrival, the sand miners came in a speedboat, attacked the locals, and fired shots, later moving the dredger eastward in the river. The injured were then rescued and taken to the hospital.

The injured include Shajahan Mir (70), Md. Ali, Apuurb Patowary, and Shafiur Rahman. Shajahan Mir stated that six to seven armed men, led by Jamal Uddin Choket and Shahin, fired at them from the speedboat.

Choket Jamal, however, denied the allegations, claiming a conspiracy against him. He stated that no sand was taken outside the government sand site, and neither he nor his nephew was present at the location during the incident.

Dr. Tayebur Rahman, superintendent of Bhola 250-Bed General Hospital, said three people who were shot have been admitted and are receiving proper treatment.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) SM Moshiur Rahman said the gunfire occurred before their arrival. The dredger has been moved, and the injured have been sent for medical treatment. A regular case will be filed regarding the incident.

Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abu Sahadat Md. Hachnain Parvez said the gunfire was in retaliation to the locals protesting sand extraction. The police are investigating the incident and legal action will be taken against the perpetrators.

Khaborwala/SS