A Lakshmipur farmer was fined BDT 8 lakh after a mobile court caught illegal topsoil removal, highlighting strict enforcement to protect farmland, soil fertility, and food security in southeastern Bangladesh.
A man has been fined BDT 8 lakh, around USD 9,300, for illegally removing the top layer of agricultural land in Raipur, a subdistrict of Lakshmipur in southeastern Bangladesh. The penalty was imposed during a mobile court operation on the night of Tuesday, January 7, in the Charbanshi area of Uttar Charbanshi Union.
The administration has vowed to remain vigilant to prevent further illegal soil removal, which can cause long-term damage to farming productivity and local food security.
The mobile court, led by Raipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Mehedi Hasan Kausar, with support from Raipur police, penalised Swapan Kabiraj under the Sand and Soil Management Act.
According to the upazila administration, topsoil excavation in the area has posed serious threats to local agriculture and soil fertility. “We have already collected the fine, and anyone found cutting soil illegally will face strict action,” said UNO Mehedi Hasan Kausar. “These operations will continue in the public interest to protect agricultural land.”
