More than 13,000 sandbags meant to protect a Padma River embankment in Shariatpur were looted by locals, raising fears of severe erosion, flooding and damage to riverside homes before monsoon.
More than 13,000 of the 18,000 sandbags meant to protect the Padma River embankment in Bhedarganj, Shariatpur have been looted over the past four days, raising fears of severe flooding during the upcoming monsoon season. Locals, including women and children, have been seen cutting open sandbags at Monai Howladar Market, a riverside community in Char Bhaga Union and taking the sand for personal use.
The sandbags were supplied by Eagle Ridge Engineering and Instruction BD Ltd. for a 5.8 kilometer embankment project stretching from Naria to Uttar Tarabunia. The project is part of a government initiative costing about 59.2 billion BDT (around $500 million) launched in 2023. Each sandbag, valued at roughly 6,000 BDT ($50), was meant to reinforce the riverbanks against erosion. Experts warn that the ongoing theft has left the embankment vulnerable and could put riverside homes and livelihoods at risk.
Officials and the contractor have expressed frustration over the loss. “The theft of more than 13,000 sandbags, worth nearly 8 million BDT ($65,000), is a loss to both the company and the state,” said Md. Iqbal, Managing Director of Eagle Ridge Engineering. Executive Engineer Khan Mohammad Waliuzzaman of the Bangladesh Water Development Board said, “The contractor was responsible for securing the bags until the work was properly handed over. Until then it is their duty to maintain and protect the materials.”
Local authorities have also faced criticism for their inaction. Shakhipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahidul Islam said police have been deployed to the area and will act once a formal complaint is filed. Shariatpur-2 Member of Parliament Safiqur Rahman Kiran demanded the immediate return of the stolen sandbags. He warned that home-to-home searches and strict action will follow if the materials are not returned within 12 hours.
With monsoon rains approaching, the looting and weak enforcement have raised urgent concerns about flooding, destruction of homes and displacement of riverside communities.
