In Cox’s Bazar’s Chakaria sub-district, illegal extraction of soil from agricultural land shows no sign of abating. Despite regular raids by local authorities and the deployment of mobile courts, the so-called “soil mafia” continues its operations unabated. Residents allege that numerous landowners are permitting the illicit removal of soil from their fertile fields in exchange for substantial sums of money, thereby encouraging these unlawful activities.
Local sources report that areas including Fasiakhali, Badrkhali, West Borbheola, Konakhali, East Borbheola, Dhemushia, Boraitoli, and Harbang have become hotspots for soil excavation. Day and night, trucks and excavators are seen illegally transporting soil, much of which is destined for brick kilns, while smaller quantities are used for construction and land filling. To facilitate the extraction, temporary roads are being carved through agricultural plots to accommodate large trucks.
Market rates for the soil vary, with a single truckload costing between BDT 2,500 and BDT 3,000 depending on the area. Landowners reportedly earn between BDT 50,000 and BDT 60,000 per operation, further emboldening the perpetrators.
The sub-district administration has responded with mobile court actions against illegal soil extraction. Recent enforcement measures are summarised below:
| Date | Location | Accused | Fine (BDT) | Seized Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Jan | West Borbheola | Nazim Uddin | 100,000 | – |
| 14 Jan | Fasiakhali | Robiul Hasan | 100,000 | – |
| 18 Jan | West Borbheola | Ehesan Habib Mamun | 50,000 | Excavator |
| 18 Jan | Konakhali, Jongliya | – | – | Damaged excavator, 2 batteries seized |
Sub-district Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Rupayan Dev stated, “We are receiving reports of widespread illegal soil extraction across the sub-district. Most of the soil is being used in brick kilns. Excavators and other equipment used for illegal mining have been confiscated. The administration remains vigilant, and no violators will be spared.”
Nevertheless, residents stress that enforcement alone is insufficient. Landowners must also be made aware of their legal responsibilities. Without their cooperation, curbing the activities of these soil mafias will remain a daunting task. Only through a coordinated effort between local authorities and the community can the rampant illegal excavation in Chakaria be curtailed.