District Correspondent, Sylhet: For a long time, the unregulated extraction and sale of soil during the night have been causing severe damage to farmers in the Haor regions of Sunamganj. However, the marginalized farmers remain silent out of fear. The influential syndicate behind this business continues to operate beyond the reach of the law, and anyone who speaks out becomes a victim of harassment.
In the 137 Haors of Sunamganj, approximately Tk 4,500 crore worth of paddy is produced annually. Among them, Dekhar Haor is a notable hub for boro crops and biodiversity. Farmers grow around Tk 20 crore worth of paddy in this Haor, supporting the local economy. Yet, the Haor’s land is being recklessly excavated with machines, and the soil is being sold openly.
Soil from Kanda and uncultivated land under khas records is being excavated and transported by trucks to various parts of the district to fill ponds, reservoirs, canals, and low-lying lands. Through this business, unscrupulous syndicates have already pocketed crores of taka, all under the apparent indifference of the authorities.
During an on-site visit to Dekhar Haor, the driver of an excavator, Ruhul Amin, attempted to flee upon noticing journalists. Although he was confronted, he refused to disclose any information. Later, when a phone call was made to a specific number, the syndicate instructed the driver to lock the vehicle and escape.
This issue is not limited to Dekhar Haor; soil extraction is rampant in 15 Haors across five upazilas, including Bishwambharpur, Dowarabazar, and Madhyanagar. This has caused a significant decline in grazing lands, seedbeds, and agricultural fields. Farmers from these five upazilas, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, are now worried about how they will transport their harvested paddy home, let alone dry or store it in granaries this year.
Dekhar Haor farmer Sultan Mia said, “The unregulated soil extraction is severely harming farmers. No one dares to speak out, and those who do face harassment. The administration needs to take strict measures.”
Korchar Haor farmer Swapan Mia added, “Soil is being extracted and sold from the Haor throughout the night. It’s truly disheartening. The administration shows no signs of taking any action.”
However, Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Elias Mia stated, “A new law has been enacted to prevent and combat land crimes. Those involved in soil extraction from Haors will be brought to justice under this law.”
