Armed groups guard illegal sand extraction in Cox’s Bazar’s Ichhachhari stream, where journalists were attacked while reporting, exposing environmental destruction, legal violations and rising threats to press freedom.
Armed groups guard illegal sand extraction in Cox’s Bazar’s Ichhachhari stream, where journalists were attacked while reporting, exposing environmental destruction, legal violations and rising threats to press freedom.
Armed groups are guarding illegal sand mining operations at a hill stream in southeastern Bangladesh, raising serious concerns about environmental destruction, press freedom and local safety.
Small groups of men wielding sticks and machetes were seen standing beside the Ichhachhari hill stream in North Harbang union of Cox’s Bazar while sand was being extracted and transported by dump trucks to different parts of the upazila.
On-site observations indicate that dredgers, excavators and at least seven shallow machines have been installed along the streambed and surrounding farmland. The extraction is reportedly taking place around the clock under armed supervision involving 30 to 40 workers. Residents say the operation has severely damaged agricultural land. The stream, once 60 feet wide, has expanded to nearly 200 feet with depths exceeding 50 feet.
The incident highlights the intersection of environmental degradation, local power dynamics and threats to journalists underlining the urgent need to enforce Bangladesh’s environmental laws.
Journalists attacked while covering operation
Attempts to document the operation were met with violence. On February 22, three journalists were attacked while trying to film the sand mining. They were beaten and forced underwater, underscoring growing threats to press freedom in environmental reporting.
A guard identified as Nurul Amin told reporters that no one could enter the area without permission from a local figure, Nazim Uddin. Residents say those running the operation are influential in the area, discouraging protests and intimidating anyone trying to record the illegal activities.
Legal violations
Under the Balumahal and Soil Management Act 2010, amended in 2023, sand extraction in hilly areas must be carried out manually using traditional tools such as shovels and baskets. The use of dredgers, excavators or pumping machines is strictly prohibited. Extraction that damages riverbanks, farmland or disrupts natural water flow is also illegal. Subleasing of sand quarries is not permitted under the law.
Despite this, those involved claim the operation is legal, citing fees paid per truckload to the leaseholder. Investigations show that Munna Enterprise holds the official lease which was subleased to a local individual. Officials confirmed that the lease conditions are being violated.
Authorities promise action
Local land office officials and the Department of Environment confirmed receiving photo and video evidence and promised prompt action. The upazila administration announced that a field operation will soon be conducted to investigate the illegal sand extraction.
“Sand extraction is being carried out in violation of the lease conditions. We have already visited the site, collected photos and videos and submitted them to the higher authorities,” said Md Abul Monsur, land officer of Harbang union.
“There are no rules for subleasing in sand extraction. A field operation will be conducted very soon in Ichhachhari village,” said Rupayan Deb, assistant commissioner for land of Chakaria upazila.
“Necessary measures will be taken after an on-site inspection,” said Jamir Uddin, director in additional charge of the Department of Environment in Cox’s Bazar.
“The upazila executive officer of Chakaria has been instructed to take action quickly against those destroying the environment,” said Md A Mannan, district commissioner of Cox’s Bazar.
Environmental concerns
Environmental advocates warn that continued sand mining from hill streams and river systems could accelerate land erosion, destroy ecosystems and threaten local agriculture.
“Unchecked sand mining not only destroys rivers and farmland but also undermines community safety and livelihoods,” said Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet Global. “Immediate enforcement and environmental safeguards are essential to protect Bangladesh’s fragile ecosystems.”
