Govt orders nationwide crackdowns on illegal sand mining

The government has issued an eight-point directive to deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) across all 64 districts to tighten control over sand mining operations and curb widespread irregularities.

Key measures include a ban on sand extraction after sunset, mandatory hydrographic surveys before leasing sand quarries, and strict enforcement of penalties against both leaseholders and workers for violations.

The directives were issued during a virtual meeting yesterday, attended by Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain, Security Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Land Ministry Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, and Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

According to sources from the Cabinet Division and field administration, unauthorised sand extraction continues in multiple districts, often defying court orders.

Several leaseholders–allegedly linked to the previous administration have reportedly gone into hiding, while night-time illegal sand lifting persists, causing substantial revenue losses.

In response, the government instructed district-level administrators to intensify enforcement efforts.

"There must be zero tolerance when it comes to protecting state resources," said a senior official present at the meeting.

The eight-point directive includes hydrographic surveys which must be conducted before declaring new sand quarries; surveys must be updated; sand leases must comply with all existing legal provisions. The boundaries of leased areas must be clearly marked and physically handed over to lessees.

In addition, sand extraction beyond the designated area is prohibited and subject to strict action; extraction must cease after sunset. Joint operations must be conducted to address illegal sand mining; illegally extracted sand must be seized and auctioned; if needed, the sand may be used for government projects upon court approval. Lastly, both leaseholders and workers must be held accountable for any lease violations.

District administrations have also been directed to conduct coordinated enforcement drives with the Department of Environment and joint forces. Additionally, DCs and SPs have been warned that negligence in handling public complaints will not be tolerated. Authorities must inform complainants whether their grievances have been accepted and ensure timely resolution.