Barishal:Authorities have seized two bulkhead boats and a dredger during an operation against illegal sand extraction from the Kirtankhola River in Sadar upazila of the district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the operation was conducted around 130 am beneath the Dapdapia Bridge over the river. It was led by Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Farida Sultana, with assistance from members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard's Barishal South Zone.
The upazila administration reported that the operation was launched after receiving information about illegal sand extraction activities beneath the bridge. Upon arrival, the authorities discovered two bulkhead boats and a dredger, owned by local resident Al Amin, actively extracting sand from the river.
During the operation, the dredger named Rifaz Jahan Ikra-1 and two sand-carrying bulkhead boats, identified as M-1 and MV Jobeda, were seized. The M-1 was carrying approximately 7,500 cubic feet of sand. The authorities detained the operator of the bulkhead boats, Bacchu, along with three workers identified as Abdul Jalil, Md Liton, and Humayun.
Following their detention, a mobile court fined the four individuals Tk 500,000 in total before releasing them. UNO Farida Sultana confirmed the operation and stated that such drives would continue to prevent illegal sand extraction from the river.