Illegal sand extraction is allegedly continuing at night in the Maheshkhali Channel of Cox’s Bazar, raising concerns over environmental damage, government revenue losses and the safety of local communities.
During a site visit at around 11pm on Thursday, October 15, around 10 to 12 dredging machines were seen extracting sand under the cover of darkness, according to a local report.
Investigations reportedly found that the contractor, Tokyo-MIL-JV, had received permission from the Cox’s Bazar district administration to extract sand from the Hamidardia and Thakurtala mouzas for constructing a road to serve Matarbari Port.
However, allegations have emerged that the company has expanded its operations beyond the authorised areas, extracting sand from the Maheshkhali Channel, the mouth near Adinath Hill and the mouth of the Bakkhali Canal.
The report also alleged violations of technical and operational conditions. Although government guidelines reportedly specify the use of 18-inch cutters, 12-inch cutters are allegedly being used. Sand extraction is also reportedly continuing after 6pm, despite restrictions on operations during the evening and night.
The issue has also been the subject of legal proceedings. Maheshkhali Press Club President and senior journalist Md Zainal Abedin filed a writ petition seeking to stop illegal sand extraction.
On September 3, 2026, a High Court bench comprising Justice Khizir Ahmed Chowdhury and Justice A.F.M. Saiful Karim ordered a four-month suspension of dredging and sand extraction at the Bheruakhali estuary, the Bakkhali estuary and the Maheshkhali Channel. The court also directed the Cox’s Bazar deputy commissioner to ensure compliance with the order.
On October 4, the Supreme Court reportedly stayed the High Court order for two weeks and directed that the rule be disposed of within that period.
Environmental concerns remain high, with local residents and environmental activists warning that unplanned sand extraction without environmental clearance could damage the local ecosystem, threaten homes and increase the risk of hill erosion and landslides on Maheshkhali island.
Residents have called for urgent intervention to stop the alleged illegal activities. Representatives of environmental organisations, including Dhara and Sabujayan Rakkhay Amra (MK), have also protested against activities they say are damaging the environment.
Maheshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Imran Mahmud Dalim said the authorities would look into the matter and take necessary action.
