A mobile court in Sadarpur upazila of Faridpur district has imposed a fine of Tk 50,000 on an individual for the illegal extraction of sand from a government-owned canal using a dredger machine. The operation was conducted by the Upazila administration on Monday afternoon (15 June) in the Akoterchar Union area, near Akota Bazar.
The enforcement drive was led by Sadarpur Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Rifat Anjum Piya. During the operation, authorities confirmed that sand was being unlawfully extracted from a public canal, in violation of existing regulations governing sand and soil management.
According to local accounts, an organised group had been using dredger machines for an extended period to extract sand illegally from different parts of government canals within Akoterchar Union. Residents reported that such activities had disrupted the natural flow of the canal and were negatively affecting the surrounding environment as well as nearby agricultural land.
Following verification of the illegal activity at the scene, the mobile court proceeded with legal action under the Sand and Soil Management Act, 2010. The individual responsible was fined Tk 50,000 on the spot. In addition, equipment used for the extraction process, including dredging machinery, was confiscated by the authorities as part of the enforcement measure.
Officials stated that such operations are carried out to ensure compliance with environmental and land-use regulations, particularly in areas where unregulated sand extraction poses risks to water flow systems and agricultural productivity.
Case Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Akoterchar Union, near Akota Bazar, Sadarpur, Faridpur |
| Date of Operation | 15 June (Monday afternoon) |
| Conducting Authority | Sadarpur Upazila Administration |
| Executive Magistrate | Rifat Anjum Piya (Assistant Commissioner, Land) |
| Offence | Illegal sand extraction from government canal using dredger |
| Legal Basis | Sand and Soil Management Act, 2010 |
| Penalty Imposed | Fine of Tk 50,000 |
| Action Taken | Dredger and related equipment seized |
Authorities further indicated that such enforcement drives against unauthorised sand extraction will continue. They emphasised that strict legal action will be taken against any individuals or groups found violating environmental and land management laws.
The Sand and Soil Management Act, 2010 regulates the extraction, transportation, and commercial use of sand and soil resources in Bangladesh, aiming to prevent environmental degradation and ensure sustainable use of natural resources. Mobile court operations are frequently deployed by district and upazila administrations to enforce compliance with these regulations on the ground.
