Topsoil removal from govt land continues unabated in Lakshmipur

Illegal extraction and sale of soil from government khas land are reportedly ongoing in Ramgati upazila of Lakshmipur, while an influential group is allegedly embezzling huge amounts of money by supplying the soil to brick kilns.

According to the locals, the disputed land, located along the River Bhulua in the Alamgir Samaj area of Tumchar village in Chargazi union, was allocated around 30 years ago for landless freedom fighters. Over the years, locals cultivated crops such as soybeans, peanuts and rice on the land.

However, for the past several months, a group allegedly led by local political activists has occupied the land and extracted soil using excavators and tractors, particularly at night to avoid administrative restrictions.

A number of locals willing to remain anonymous alleged that at least 20 machines and around 25 tractors are being used regularly to transport soil to nearby brick kilns.

Several farmers, requesting anonymity, said the fertile land has already been turned into fish enclosures, depriving landless beneficiaries. Md Alamgir, president of the local mosque committee, admitted he was offered Tk 20,000 to remain silent after objecting to the soil extraction.

When contacted, one of the accused claimed the land belonged to them, arguing it had turned into khas land after river erosion.

Read More

Heavy Gulf reliance clouds labour market future

Chargazi Union Parishad Panel Chairman Md Nasir Uddin said repeated complaints to the upazila administration, police and land office have failed to stop the activity. Union Land Office Tehsildar Mobarak Hossain confirmed visiting the site and raising objections, but said the accused group continued excavation activities.

Ramgati Police Station Officer-in-Charge Liton Dewan said police had conducted a drive and arrested one person in this connection earlier. Ramgati Upazila Executive Officer Nilufa Yasmin Nipa said the administration is preparing a list of those involved and will launch a drive soon, warning of strict legal action against illegal soil extraction.