In Fatikchhari upazila of Chattogram, Bangladesh, anger and frustration are mounting after the deaths of two young girls who drowned in a water-filled excavation pit created by illegal topsoil extraction from agricultural land. Three days after the tragedy in Harualchhari Union, no visible legal action has been taken against those allegedly responsible, prompting accusations of administrative negligence.
The incident occurred on Sunday (5 April), shortly after the children returned home following their madrasa classes. According to local residents, the two victims—nine-year-old Saki Akter, daughter of Habibur Rahman, and ten-year-old Sanjida Akter, daughter of Zakir Hossain—went to play near adjacent farmland in Ward 8 of the union.
Unbeknown to them, the area contained a large and deep excavation site, reportedly around 20 feet deep, dug for soil extraction to supply brick kilns. Rainwater had accumulated in the pit, turning it into a hazardous, unprotected pond-like structure. While playing nearby, the children are believed to have accidentally fallen into the water and were unable to escape.
After they went missing for an extended period, family members and local residents launched a search and later recovered their lifeless bodies from the water-filled pit. The tragic discovery has left the community in deep shock and grief.
Locals allege that influential groups have long been extracting fertile soil from farmland at night in violation of environmental and agricultural regulations, selling it to brick kilns. They further claim that large trenches have been left uncovered and without any warning signs or protective barriers, creating life-threatening hazards for children and livestock. Some residents have described the incident as a “preventable tragedy” caused by reckless and profit-driven activity.
The bereaved fathers, Habibur Rahman and Zakir Hossain, expressed their anguish, stating that repeated complaints about soil theft had been ignored. They also alleged intimidation when attempting to resist such activities. “Our families have been devastated because of the greed of soil extractors. Even after three days, no action has been taken against them,” they said.
Local police confirmed that they had visited the site and spoken with the victims’ families. Further steps, they stated, would be taken following discussions with the upazila administration. The Upazila Executive Officer added that an investigation is underway and legal action would be taken against those found responsible.
Key Details of the Incident
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Harualchhari Union, Fatikchhari, Chattogram |
| Date of incident | 5 April (Sunday) |
| Victims | Saki Akter (9), Sanjida Akter (10) |
| Activity at time | Playing near farmland after madrasa |
| Cause of hazard | Unauthorised soil extraction creating deep water-filled pit |
| Estimated depth of pit | Approximately 20 feet |
| Current status | Investigation ongoing; no arrests reported |
The incident has reignited concerns over illegal soil extraction practices and the lack of adequate enforcement in rural areas, with locals demanding urgent preventive measures to avoid further loss of young lives.