Munshiganj is facing alarming riverbank erosion after unplanned dredging in the Dhaleshwari and Shitalakshya rivers, carried out in violation of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) guidelines.

On Monday (August 11), the Narayanganj River Port authorities ordered a temporary suspension of sediment removal in front of Shah Cement Industries Limited. The directive, signed by Narayanganj River Port Joint Director (Operations) Muhammad Ismail Hossain, stated that the removal of artificially deposited sand and soil must remain halted until the Hydrography Department completes its survey.

Under a Tk 1.10 crore lease awarded on April 27, contractors were permitted to remove 4.18 million cubic feet of sediment within 90 days, starting June 29. But instead of adhering to the approved depth of 5 meters, dredgers reportedly dug up to 30 meters, triggering massive erosion in the Charmuktarpur area.

Although BIWTA allowed only 10 dredgers to operate during the day, locals say 20–25 machines are working day and night. Nearly one acre of land has already disappeared, with homes and industries — including the Shah Cement Factory — now at high risk.

Despite repeated fines, legal actions, and community protests, influential operators continue their activities, residents allege, leaving BIWTA “hostage” to the contractors, said local people.

Ashraful Haque, Manager at Shah Cement Factory in Char Mukterpur, emphasized that it is crucial to follow government regulations when dredging, or else not just the environment, but also industries along the river are at risk.

BIWTA Deputy Director Md. Mobarak Hossain Majumder said the lessee has been warned and instructed to follow regulations, including dredging at a safe distance from eroded areas.