‘Stop illegal sand extraction from rivers or quit’

The High Court today observed that the deputy commissioners (DCs) concerned may quit their jobs if they cannot take any action to stop illegal sand extraction from the rivers.

The DCs have sufficient powers to stop illegal sand extraction from the rivers by deploying executive magistrates, the HC bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahasan and Justice KM Kamrul Kader said during hearing of a writ petition filed challenging illegal sand extraction from Padma River at Talaimari area in Rajshahi.

The bench asked the DC of Rajshahi to inform this court by June 23 through Deputy Attorney General ABM Abdullah-Al-Mahmud whether any step has been taken to stop illegal sand extraction from Padma River at Talaimari area.

DAG Mahmud told The Daily Star that he communicated with the DC of Rajshahi in this regard and the DC said that he will very soon deploy an executive magistrate to stop the illegal sand extraction in the area. 

The writ petition was filed with the HC by one Anwar Hossain on Sunday seeking its order on the DC of Rajshahi to take steps to stop illegal sand extraction from Padma River at Talaimari area in Rajshahi.

In the petition, the petitioner also challenged the inaction of the DC in stopping illegal sand extraction from the river.

Advocate Syed Mamun Mahbub appeared for the writ petitioner.