Residents of the riverbank areas in Rangunia Upazila, Chattogram, have voiced growing concerns over the preservation of their ancestral lands as the national election approaches. Illegal sand extraction from the Karnaphuli River, combined with ongoing riverbank erosion, has heightened fears of losing homes and livelihoods. Locals have stated unequivocally that they will support candidates committed to protecting the local ecosystem and halting illicit sand mining.
Khoroshed Alam, a resident near Godown Bridge in West Sarfata, said, “The relentless sand extraction is threatening to wash away our ancestral homes in the coming monsoon. Many surrounding plots have already been submerged. Despite repeated complaints, the activity continues unchecked. We will vote for candidates who can safeguard our homes.”
Local youth leader Shahidullah highlighted the severity of the problem: “We have already lost approximately 60 per cent of land near the river. Riverbank erosion continues due to ongoing sand extraction, yet no effective remedies have been implemented.” Rafiqul Uddin from Moriamnagar added that his homestead by the river was destroyed following sand mining operations last year.
Religious leader Maulana Abul Kalam emphasised the broader threat, stating, “Sand extraction continues daily. Houses, mosques, and other structures are all at risk, yet authorities have not taken meaningful action.”
Farmers are also reporting significant losses. Paddy cultivation along the Ghumai Bill and Moriamnagar to Chandrakona’s litchi orchards has been disrupted by brick kilns and new construction projects on agricultural land. Farmer Nasir Uddin explained, “Water shortages have delayed paddy transplantation, which will reduce yields. New construction and brick kilns must be halted immediately to protect our crops.”
According to election surveys, in the Chattogram-7 (Rangunia) constituency, BNP candidate Humam Qader Chowdhury is currently leading, followed by ATM Rezaul Karim of Jamaat-e-Islami and M Iqbal Hasan of the Bangladesh Islami Front.
Key Issues and Voter Profile
| Issue / Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Concerns | Sand extraction, riverbank erosion, traffic congestion, accidents, lack of industrial development |
| Impact of Erosion | Loss of homesteads, damage to agricultural land, mosques and other structures at risk |
| Constituency | Chattogram-7 (Rangunia) |
| Registered Voters | 319,808 (Male: 167,531; Female: 151,476; Hijra: 1) |
| Polling Centres | 92 |
| Leading Candidates | Humam Qader Chowdhury, ATM Rezaul Karim, M Iqbal Hasan |
Residents have expressed a firm resolve to exercise their voting rights responsibly. They emphasise that their support will go to candidates who prioritise riverbank conservation, implement effective measures against illegal sand mining, and advance infrastructure, industrial development, and healthcare services. The upcoming election is thus shaping up as a decisive moment for both environmental preservation and community welfare in Rangunia.