Cement, oil, medicines allegedly go to Myanmar, yaba comes back

An alleged smuggling network has been operating through the Meghna River in Ramgati of Lakshmipur, with local residents and traders claiming that various goods are being transported towards the Myanmar border using remote waterways.

A number of local willing to remain anonymous have alleged that cement, oil, medicines and liquor are being smuggled through the river to Myanmar, while yaba and weapons are brought back through the same network.

The Coast Guard members on 11 September conducted a raid in the Ochkhali fishing area of the Meghna River and arrested five people involved in smuggling. 

They also seized 32,500kg of cement, worth around Tk3.25 lakh, and two boats allegedly being used to transport the goods to Myanmar without paying customs duties.

Meanwhile, the local traders and residents said smugglers allegedly use large and medium-sized boats to transport goods at night through remote chars and waterways adjacent to the Meghna. Goods are reportedly loaded and unloaded at isolated riverbank locations away from the main Bibirhat and Ochkhali ghats.

They alleged that the goods are transported towards the Teknaf border area during the late night or early morning hours, where another trader, identified as Siraj Mia, allegedly receives them for onward transportation.

Locals also alleged that different people are involved at various stages, including collecting goods, arranging boats, hiring boatmen and coordinating transportation.

Several fishermen said they frequently noticed unidentified boats moving through the area late at night. 

They expressed concern about the nature and destination of the goods being transported, although they were reluctant to speak publicly about the alleged activities. Local sources claimed that the alleged network had been operating since 5 August 2024. 

Ramgati Upazila BNP President Dr Jamal Uddin said no one involved in criminal activities would receive protection in the name of any political organisation.

“If someone commits a crime, they will be treated as a criminal. The law will take its own course,” he said.

Ramgati Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Mahbubur Rahman said police had also received information about the alleged network.

“Five people have already been arrested by the Coast Guard along with the goods, and a case has been filed against them. We are also trying to arrest the alleged ringleader,” he said.