BNP Activist Killed in Pabna Sand Mining Clash

A local activist of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was killed during a violent clash between two rival groups over alleged illegal sand extraction from the Padma River in Pabna on Friday afternoon.

The incident took place in the Jotkakuria Kolabagan char area, situated along the boundary of Chartarapur and Bhandara unions in Pabna Sadar. The deceased was identified as Manju Sheikh, 35, son of Darog Sheikh from the Ariya Gohailbari area.

According to BNP leaders, Manju was an active party worker. He was also the nephew of Sujanagar Upazila BNP Member Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rauf and former Chartarapur Union BNP President Sheikh Rahmat Ali.

Local residents said tensions had been escalating for several days over control of sand extraction activities in the Padma River’s char lands near Jotkakuria. Rival groups had reportedly been involved in a dispute over dominance in the lucrative sand trade, with friction already evident on Thursday.

On Friday morning, members of both groups reportedly went to inspect whether sand deposits were available in the riverbed. An argument quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. During the clash, gunfire broke out, and Manju Sheikh was shot in the back of the head. He died at the scene before he could receive medical treatment.

Speaking after the incident, Sheikh Abdur Rauf alleged that several people opened fire when his nephew attempted to stop individuals from extracting sand from the river.

“My nephew tried to prevent some people from lifting sand, and they shot him dead,” he said. “I cannot say with certainty who was carrying out the sand extraction, but he was one of our party workers. We demand the immediate arrest of those responsible and that they be brought to justice.”

Police have not yet confirmed the circumstances leading to the shooting and say the investigation remains ongoing.

Pabna Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Rejinur Rahman said preliminary findings indicate that Manju Sheikh was fatally shot in the back of the head during the dispute over sand extraction.

“Our officers are at the scene collecting evidence and speaking to witnesses,” he said. “We are working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the killing. Only after completing the investigation will we be able to determine exactly who was responsible.”

Illegal sand extraction has long been a contentious issue in several riverine areas of Bangladesh, particularly along major rivers such as the Padma. Competition for control of sand-rich riverbeds has frequently led to disputes, allegations of organised influence, and occasional outbreaks of violence. Authorities have repeatedly conducted operations against unauthorised sand mining, but conflicts linked to the trade continue to surface in different parts of the country.

Police said further legal action will be taken once the investigation establishes the identities of those involved in Friday’s fatal incident.