Illegal sand extraction is allegedly continuing from Maheshkhali Channel, Bhoruakhali and Bankkhali river mouths despite a four-month High Court ban, with local residents accusing the Cox’s Bazar district administration of failing to effectively enforce the order.
The High Court had directed all concerned parties to refrain from dredging and extracting sand from the specified areas until the hearing of a related rule. The court also directed the district administration to ensure compliance with the order.
The writ petition was filed by Md Joynal Abedin, president of the Maheshkhali Press Club, seeking an end to sand extraction in the public interest and to protect the island’s environment.
Locals allege that sand is still being extracted from areas outside those authorised by the district administration, including Maheshkhali Channel, Bhoruakhali and Bankkhali. They warn that continued extraction could cause serious environmental damage and increase risks to homes and the hills of Maheshkhali.
Mosaddeq Faruqi, president of the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Maheshkhali unit, said continued extraction without environmental clearance could lead to a major ecological disaster and urged the authorities to intervene immediately.
The contractor Tokyo-MIL-JV was reportedly authorised to extract sand from the Hamidardia and Thakurtala mouzas for road construction related to the Matarbari port. However, allegations have emerged that the company has also been extracting sand from areas beyond its approved locations.
Following the High Court order on September 3, the contractor allegedly halted extraction for only one day before resuming operations. Local residents have also alleged possible collusion between the contractor and the district administration, though the claim has not been independently verified.
Joynal Abedin said that if the district administration itself fails to comply with the court’s directive, ordinary citizens would have little confidence in the rule of law. He warned that he may approach the court again over the alleged violation.
Contacted for comment, Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan said he would review the court order at his office before commenting on the matter.
