Photo : BSS

SUNAMGANJ, Sept 11, 2025 (BSS)- After a five-month halt, sand extraction has resumed in the Jadukata River and Fazilpur sand quarry in Sunamganj following a High Court (HC) verdict.

The decision of resuming sand extraction brought relief to thousands of workers who had been jobless during the suspension period.
 
Jadukata River, known as a major sand belt, faced rampant environmental degradation during the previous government when influential groups used dredgers indiscriminately causing destruction off arms along the riverbank and displacement of hundreds of families.

According to the district administration, two sand blocks-- Jadukata-1 and Jadukata-2-- were leased out to the highest bidders.
 
Nasir Mia, owner of Tahiya Stone Crusher, acquired Jadukata-1 for Taka 33 crore while M/S Jinan Enterprise, owner Md Rubel Mia, leased Jadukata-2 for Taka 55 crore. 

However, the High Court suspended extraction for six months on February 17 inresponse to a writ petition, stalling operations from April 14 to September 10.

The suspension left tens of thousands of workers in Tahirpur and Bishwambharpur upazilas without work, pushing them into severe hardship. With the resumption, life has returned to the sand ghats.

Zahir Mia, a riverbank resident, said, "For five months it was hard for workers to even arrange food. Now that sand lifting has resumed, our 
sufferings are ending." 

The decision has also eased concerns of leaseholders and trader's dependent on the river-based economy.

Fazilpur ghat leaseholder Joba Mia echoed the same. He said, "We incurred huge losses due to the shutdown. Today's resumption has brought back life for workers."

Another leaseholder Nasir Mia said the Jadukata River is a significant source of government revenue. "The shutdown caused us heavy losses, but now both we and the workers got a hope for better livelihood," he added.

In this regard, Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Elias Mia said sand extraction will continue in compliance with the court's directives and within the specified boundaries.