Syndicate loots arable land in Keraniganj by illegally extracting soil

A syndicate is unlawfully extracting soil from fertile farmland and government property, selling it to brick kilns, construction sites, and low-lying residential areas in Dhaka’s South Keraniganj. This widespread soil theft, especially in the Kazirgaon Mathbari region, is wreaking havoc on agricultural lands, degrading the environment, and severely damaging local roads due to the frequent movement of overloaded trolleys, trucks, and dumpers.

Under the protection of over 50 armed individuals, the syndicate uses excavators to cut and transport soil round-the-clock. Nearly 95% of the stolen soil is sold to brick kilns, with each truckload fetching Tk3,500 to 4,000. An estimated 300 truckloads of soil are sold daily. Those who resist face threats and violence.

Local residents allege that the syndicate operates with the tacit approval of local political leaders. Victims are often too afraid to file complaints, though over 20 general diaries (GDs) have been filed at South Keraniganj Police Station in the past three years. Despite this, the local administration remains inactive, allowing the area to turn into barren land.

Residents claim that the syndicate is led by influential figures, including Afzal Sikder, Shamim, Abu Saeed, Hannan, Rana Sikder, and Javed. Afzal Sikder, who identifies as the general secretary of the BNP's Konda Union, denies the allegations and insists that neither he nor his family engages in soil extraction.

In addition to soil theft, the area faces issues of land fraud. Allegedly, Din Islam, a former Konda Union leader of the ruling Awami League, has built a network for creating forged land documents. Residents accuse him of selling their lands to powerful individuals using fake deeds, leaving numerous families destitute.

When contacted, Din Islam was unreachable. However, South Keraniganj Police Station OC Mazharul Islam stated that land disputes fall under the jurisdiction of the Assistant Commissioner (Land) or the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO).

Keraniganj UNO Rinat Fauzia confirmed being informed about the issue and has instructed the South Keraniganj Revenue Circle and AC Land to investigate and take action against the perpetrators.