Sand Extraction from Halda, Sand-Filled Bulkhead Seized, Two Arrested

Police have arrested two individuals over allegations of sand extraction from the Halda River, a natural fish breeding centre. A bulkhead used for transporting sand was also seized during the operation.

They were arrested on Wednesday (26 November) evening from the Boruapara Katakhali Canal area in South Madarsha Union, part of Hatkhazari in Chattogram. The arrestees are Mohammad Solaiman (22) from Bhola Sadar and Mohammad Kalam (32) from Manjad village in Charfashion Upazila of the same district. Police said both were workers of the seized bulkhead. They were sent to jail by the court on Thursday.

The naval police stated that the operation was conducted in the Hatkhazari area under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Mohammad Ramjan Ali of the Ramdas Munshirhat Naval Police. Two individuals were detained during the raid. Later, at midnight, a case was filed at Hatkhazari Police Station. This is the first case filed by the naval police regarding sand extraction from the Halda.

Earlier, on Monday afternoon, the Upazila administration conducted a similar operation in the same area, seizing a sand-filled bulkhead and arresting three people, who were fined 100,000 taka. The convicted were Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Hannan, and Mohammad Sabuj from Kalurghat, Chandgaon Thana, Chattogram.

The Hatkhazari Upazila administration said sand extraction from the Halda, the country’s only natural fish breeding centre, is prohibited. Mechanical vessels are also banned in the river. Despite this, some businessmen have been violating the ban, transporting and selling sand using bulkheads, prompting the operation.

Abdullah Al Mumin, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Hatkhazari, told the media, “Operations like these will continue in the public interest to protect the biodiversity of the Halda River. The river is a national heritage and both the administration and locals must ensure its preservation.”

Halda researcher and Professor Monjurul Kibria of the Department of Zoology, Chattogram University, said, “After a long pause, sand extraction has recently re-emerged in the river. However, this is the first case filed by the naval police, which is a positive step. The fear of legal action may discourage sand traders from being as active as before.”

Khaborwala/TSN