Peaceful human chain of locals to “stop illegal sand mining and save Brahmaputra river” in Chilmari

A human chain was held in Chilmari, Kurigram under the chairmanship of “Chilmari Women’s College Assistant Professor” Niharika Sharmin Deepi to demand stop illegal sand extraction and uncontrolled dredging, prevent river erosion and rehabilitate the victims.
On Saturday (May 30th) at around 11:30 am, a human chain program was held at “Fakir Hat Bandh intersection of Raniganj Union of Upazila” on the initiative of the conscious young society of the area.
Hundreds of men and women participated in human bonding. Holding banners and festoons with various slogans such as ‘river erosion and sand bandits build mountains of money’, ‘save the homes of father and grandfather, Raniganj residents stand up’, they expressed their anger against illegal sand extraction.
Speakers in the human chain said that due to unplanned sand extraction and dredging in various parts of the Brahmaputra river, the natural flow of the river is being disrupted. It has also increased the risk of river erosion. Hundreds of families along the banks of the river live in fear of losing their homes, arable land and various structures. They said that already thousands of families have lost their land and houses in the river and are living an inhumane life.
Six points of demand have been raised from the human chain. The demands include, (1) immediate stop of illegal sand extraction and uncontrolled dredging in the Brahmaputra river, (2) speedy removal of the seized sand by the administration as per the 2009 Mobile Court directive and ensuring environment-friendly river dredging. (3) Construction of permanent and durable defense embankment from Kanchkol to Fakir Hat, (4) Ensuring safety of various riverside installations including T-dam, PC blocks and geo bags. (5) Rehabilitation of families affected by river erosion. (6) Those involved in embezzlement of government resources and illegal sand mining have been brought under the law and exemplary punishment and regular patrolling and mobile courts have been demanded. At this time, Begum Rokeya University’s Bengali department professor Dr. Tuhin Wadud says,”There can be no development by destroying the river. The natural character of the river is being destroyed due to illegal sand mining. Livelihoods and livelihoods of the people along the river are under threat today. Effective steps should be taken to stop these activities in public interest.
Fakir Hat High School Headmaster Ruhul Amin, Roots of Success Executive Member Shahjamal, Executive Member Ashiq Iqbal, Executive Member Rafiqul Islam Ratan, Khandkar Badrul Islam Raju, Sohail Rana,Businessman Mukul Mondal and victim’s family Akhtar Lippi and many others were present. Later, at the end of the human chain, the agitators demolished some structures used for sand extraction. and ended their activities peacefully.