Residents of the Kotalipara-Tungipara constituency in Gopalganj have raised serious concerns over illegal sand extraction allegedly carried out by local contractor Shafik Biswas, who, according to locals, is invoking his connection to newly elected Member of Parliament S. M. Zillani to shield his activities. The extraction, reportedly taking place on land adjacent to his property, has been undertaken without official approval, prompting fears for both environmental safety and public security.
Local sources report that the actual landowners who have objected to the operations are facing intimidation and threats, creating a climate of fear within the community. Many residents have expressed concern that the misuse of political influence undermines the rule of law and justice.
Environmental experts and community members warn that illegal sand mining poses not only ecological hazards but also risks to agricultural land and riverbank stability. During the monsoon season, such activity could exacerbate riverbank erosion and increase the likelihood of flooding, with potentially devastating consequences for the local population.
Residents are now calling for immediate intervention by local authorities to ensure that legal and safety standards are upheld. They have outlined the following demands:
Immediate cessation of unauthorised sand extraction
Investigation into intimidation and threats against landowners
Legal action against those responsible
The following table summarises the alleged activities and their reported impact:
| Location | Type of Allegation | Accused Individual | Impact/Consequence | Local Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tungipara, Kotalipara | Illegal sand extraction | Shafik Biswas | Damage to environment and farmland | Residents concerned and agitated |
| Kotalipara-Tungipara | Threats and intimidation | Unknown persons, influence of MP’s relative | Undermines law and justice | Urgent intervention by authorities requested |
Community members have voiced fears that, if unchecked, these illegal operations and the abuse of political power could pose a severe threat to local peace and social stability.
When contacted, the Gopalganj District Administration and the local Land Office confirmed that officials have been dispatched to investigate the allegations and that appropriate legal measures will be taken as required.
At present, the people of Kotalipara-Tungipara are closely watching the authorities’ response, hoping for swift and firm action to protect both their livelihoods and the environment.