Jaintapur (Sylhet) Representative //

In Sylhet’s Jaintapur’s traditional Sari River, illegal sand extraction and extortion are going on under the leadership of three Qutbs. This Sari River is known as the Blue River of Bengal throughout the country. Also known as the largest sand mine. As a result, the government collects revenue by leasing the river every year. In 2010, Lalakhal Tea Estate and Nazimgarh Resort filed a lawsuit over several spots near the source of the Sari River. In view of the case, the government lease for extracting sand from the entire Sari river was stopped. As a result, the lease of the river is closed for several years.

Later, in the wake of the local workers’ movement and in the interest of revenue collection, the government divided the Sari river into three parts by marking the disputed area. It divides from Sarighat Bridge to Poyin mouth (Line-1), from Sarighat Bridge to Kamrangi Government Primary School Ghat Area (Line-2) and from Kamrangi School Ghat to Zero Point of Sari River (Mamla Bhukta Area) (Line-3).

Considering revenue collection and employment of labourers, Row-1, Row-2 and Baragung are collecting revenue by leasing the river. Series-3 case Bhukta area has been issued by the High Court to prevent the workers from extracting, collecting and transporting any kind of sand stone.

Recently a sand and stone piled up from Kheku Chakra Sari-3 (cased) area was observed. Rahim, Salim and some others have been collecting Rs 1,000 per boat from the accused (row-3) by disobeying the instructions of the High Court and tempting the workers to collect sand easily. Due to the less suffering of the workers and due to the availability of stock sand, they collected sand through subscription under private compulsion.

Clashes took place between the toll collectors and the laborers over the toll collection. Later, an application was made to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer for stopping extortion from row-3. Following the application, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Umm Salik Rumaiya visited the land in August. At that time, they seized three hundred feet of sand along with two boats. Strictly issued instructions to comply with the court order.

After the anti-discrimination student movement, Balu and Pathar Kheku Chakra has been collecting Rs.

In this regard, the sand workers of Sari River (on condition of anonymity) said, we are innocent workers. Sand must be collected by throwing a bucket in the water on the stomach or by diving. In this case, it takes about three hours to collect 200 feet or 250 feet of sand. As a result, it is not possible to collect more sand than one boat. That’s why we are forced to use more than one boat to lift sand to save time, we collect sand from Row-3 by paying subscription. As a result, two to three boats are collecting sand every day from morning to three in the afternoon. They said that they are collecting sand stones from hundreds of boats. If money is not paid, it is not possible to collect sand from Row-3. They were attacked by members of Balu Kheku Chakra if they did not pay the subscription.

Another worker said that they do not have any problem if they give money to this gang. Some unscrupulous yellow journalists along with the administration also get the subscription given by them. So sand has to be collected by subscription. Because no one concerned even stops us even if we pay the subscription. So we are extracting sand from Row-3 without any hassle.

Another worker told the reporter, come with us as a worker and see how the members of the Balu Kheku Chakra collect money before lifting the sand in the boat. First you have to pay the subscription and then you have to load the boat. Our demand is that the government should strictly stop the extraction of sand from row-3. Otherwise we will be freed from the grip of extortion even if we collect revenue by paying leases like row-1, row-2 and Baragang river. The government will not lose revenue.

To know about this, a local senior mentor, on the condition of anonymity for fear of extortion gangs, said what would happen if he knew these and wrote them in the newspaper. Maybe shut down for a day or two, then back on again. You will also become this to them. Many of you people come with bicycles and drink tea and cigarettes and pass the time on fee boats to zero point. Sand stones are being collected from zero point in exchange of money. This has not stopped and will not happen. He also said that everyone wants to be closed with series-3 cases. They will mix with some dishonest officials. He also said that before the administration came for the operation, everyone including the gang members went missing. Only two boats are kept for eye wash.

The investigation revealed that in the last 1 year, an innocent worker was kicked in the stomach from row 3 at the rate of 800 taka and 11 crore taka was extorted.

A former public representative who did not wish to be named said, why should the poor people pay the contribution if the workers climb the sand stones from Row 3? If it runs free, extortion will stop.

When contacted on Rahim’s cell phone to inquire about the extortion, he said that it was a lie. He said sand is being extracted from Maursi area. From there only 100 rupees is collected for workers. At that time, he claimed that when Sohail Billah took a lease in the name of a person, he extracted sand from that place. At one stage of the speech, he claimed to be sick and said that he has been staying in Dhaka for almost three months and receiving medical treatment. He has no involvement in this incident.

In this regard, Shamchuzzaman Salim said on the phone that sand extraction is stopped. Before this sand was lifted under the leadership of labor leader Amir Ali. At this time, he said that there is a case of His Majesty’s Court in Row No. 3 area, there is no opportunity to extract sand. He claimed that he himself tried to stop sand extraction in that area but no one is willing to listen to him. In response to another question, he said, I have heard that some workers have filed a written complaint against me to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, but I do not know anything else. On the other hand, the labor leader Amir Ali, including hundreds of contacts, could not be reached, so no statement was received from him.

Talking about it, Jaintapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Umm Salik Rumaiya said, “I have visited several times about row 3, if anyone collects any illegal interest, the upazila administration will take necessary action.”

Meanwhile, a related source has confirmed that sand extraction is currently stopped from Row 3. However, from next Saturday, extortionist terrorists are running to different places to extract sand again.