Bangabandhu bridge at risk

AS reported in this paper on March 31, the Bangabandhu Bridge Authority (BBA) is apparently turning a blind eye to a syndicate of sand traders that has been engaged for the last three months in removing precious sand a mere kilometre away from the bridge site. That numerous dredgers are engaged in removing sand is clear. What's unclear is how this activity has been allowed to go on under the nose of the BBA, especially when any such sand-removal activity is specifically prohibited within 6 kilometres of the bridge. How can such a key piece of infrastructure like the bridge in question be put in jeopardy just to whet commercial appetite baffles us! 

It is pathetic to see that the "syndicate" has the gall to claim that they have had verbal permission to lift sand, which is a clear violation of rules, let alone being denied by the authorities. Are we then to assume that it is perfectly alright to flout rules and regulations in the name of business just because it is blessed by some vested quarters? The denial mode of the authorities notwithstanding it is not going to make the problem disappear. We earnestly hope the authorities wake up to the manmade sand denudation at the expense of the Bangabandhu Bridge, a vital arterial link. We expect a statement on behalf of the BBA explaining the situation and putting a stop to the extremely harmful specimen of sand extraction business.