Posted on September 30, 2026
Illegal sand trading and river encroachment along the Shitalakshya River in Siddhirganj of Narayanganj, are putting nearby bridges and river navigation at risk, locals alleged.
Sand traders have reportedly been operating dredgers from the western bank of the river to its middle section without permission from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). Locals also alleged that sand extraction near the bridge has caused soil around its pillars to erode, raising concerns about its stability. They urged the authorities to take immediate action against the illegal operations.
During a recent visit to the area, it was found that dredgers had been installed in the river after setting up makeshift floating ghats. The activities have narrowed the navigable channel, disrupting the movement of vessels.
According to local sources, a syndicate reportedly operating near Kanchpur Bridge despite repeated objections from locals. A dredger worker, wishing to remain anonymous, said the operators had been running the business by allegedly managing some BIWTA officials. The extracted sand is transported by truck to different areas for sale.
Tabarak Islam, a local resident, said the dredgers had been installed close to the bridge, putting it at serious risk. Locals further alleged that a group led by Zakir Hossain had been occupying part of the river near Rayertek village for sand trading after the administration stopped similar activities near Kanchpur Bridge.
Local environmental activists and residents recently submitted a written complaint to the deputy commissioner, upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) and police, alleging river encroachment for sand trading.
Following the complaint, police visited the area on the UNO’s instructions and ordered the traders to remove the sand from the encroached section. The local land office also served a notice on Zakir Hossain asking him to stop the business.
Zakir Hossain denied occupying the river, saying, “I am conducting the sand business on privately owned land. A small portion of the river has been filled in during the business, but it has not been occupied.”
Kabir Hossain, Sajjad Mia and Harun Mia claimed that sand trading along the riverbank was being carried out by people affiliated with the party in power. They said they had faced imprisonment for the party and were now running the business to meet the expenses of party leaders and activists.
In June 2009, the High Court directed the district administration to remove pollution and illegal encroachments from the river and surrounding water bodies.
Subsequently, the Narayanganj River Port Authority and the district administration conducted drives to clear the riverbanks.
BIWTA later undertook a Tk44-crore project to develop a walkway and carry out afforestation along a section of the Shitalakshya in Siddhirganj. Locals now fear that illegal sand and stone trading is damaging the walkway and adjoining plantations.
Mizanur Rahman, joint director of Narayanganj BIWTA, said, “A drive will be launched very soon against those illegally encroaching on the river and operating sand businesses.”
