Clash Over Kanchpur Sand Ghats Injures 15

A violent confrontation erupted on Wednesday (11 March) at the Kanchpur bridge area on the western bank of the Shitalakkhya River in Siddhirganj, involving two factions of the BNP over the control of sand-loading and unloading ghats. At least 15 people were reported injured during the clashes.

The incident occurred in two separate phases between 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. Eyewitnesses stated that supporters of Siddhirganj BNP chief Professor Mamun Mahmud went to take control of the ghats after paying the requisite lease fees. However, they were confronted by groups who had previously collected money from operators without remitting government revenue, which triggered the clashes. Rapid Action Battalion-11 (RAB-11) intervened to restore order.

The sand ghats on the Shitalakkhya riverside were originally leased to Mahmudul Hasan Polin, former councillor of Dhaka South City Corporation’s Ward 67. His lease expired in 2021, prompting him to file a case in the High Court. Because the case is still pending, the Narayanganj BIWTA (Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority) has been unable to lease the ghats to any new party, resulting in a loss of government revenue.

After political changes, Polin fled the area, and control was assumed by Kaiser Rifat, son of former district BNP chief Gias Uddin. Following the 13th parliamentary elections, Rifat and his supporters voluntarily vacated the ghats. Recently, Polin appointed Professor Mahmud’s younger brother, Rasel Mahmud, as sub-lessee. On Wednesday, Rasel and his team attempted to take possession of the ghats, submitting government revenue via pay orders. At this point, previous occupants who had avoided remitting revenue obstructed them, sparking clashes that involved chasing and physical confrontations. Eyewitnesses confirmed that among the injured were Jahir, Nur Hossain, Nazrul, and Zia.

Professor Mamun Mahmud stated, “Since 5 August 2024, one faction had been operating the ghats without remitting revenue. Recently, the legal lessee Polin appointed my brother Rasel as his representative. While submitting the government pay order and taking possession, the previous unlawful operators attacked my brother and our supporters. RAB intervened to restore order.”

Local law enforcement, led by Siddhirganj police chief Mohammad Abdul Bari, confirmed receipt of complaints and said investigations are underway. BIWTA Joint Director Mostafizur Rahman clarified that Rasel Mahmud has been authorised by Polin to manage the ghats, submitting revenue via pay order during the court case period.

Key Details of the Clash

The clashes underscore ongoing disputes over ghat control and revenue compliance, highlighting the need for strict law enforcement and regulated management of riverside sand-loading operations.