Unplanned sand extraction in the Moheshkhali channel in Cox’s Bazar is changing the channel’s natural features, raising concerns over the surrounding environment and the safety of nearby homes and settlements.
Local residents allege that dredgers are extracting sand outside designated areas under cover of darkness, defying court orders and administrative conditions.
Local resident Rashedul Karim emphasised the close connection between the Moheshkhali channel, the local environment, and people’s livelihoods.
“If sand extraction continues in this manner, the channel’s natural condition may change. This could also affect nearby homes. The matter needs serious attention,” he said.
A visit to the area and information from local sources suggested that around 10 to 12 dredgers were extracting sand from the channel at about 11:00 pm on October 15. Residents fear the activities could harm the channel’s natural environment and threaten nearby settlements.
According to local sources, contractor Tokyo-MIL-JV has permission from the Cox’s Bazar district administration to extract sand from the Hamidardia and Thakurtala mouzas to build a road connecting to Matarbari Port.
However, the company has been accused of extracting sand beyond the approved areas, including from the Moheshkhali channel, the mouth of a canal beside Adinath Hill and the estuary of the Bakkhali River.
Rezaul Hasan, a local resident, said the use of dredgers at night has raised concerns among locals.
“It is necessary to investigate whether sand extraction is adversely affecting the channel banks and surrounding land. The administration should ensure that extraction is being carried out in compliance with the rules,” he said.
Residents have also raised questions about the size of dredger cutters and operating hours. They allege that 12-inch cutters are being used despite a government requirement for 18-inch cutters. They also claim sand extraction continues throughout the night, sometimes around the clock, despite a condition requiring operations to stop after 6:00 pm.
Moheshkhali Press Club president and senior journalist Mohammad Zainal Abedin filed a public-interest writ petition. According to sources familiar with the case, a High Court bench comprising Justice Khizir Ahmed Chowdhury and Justice AFM Saiful Karim ordered, on September 3, 2026, a four-month suspension of sand extraction and dredging at the Bhaluakhali canal mouth, the Bakkhali River estuary, and the Moheshkhali channel.
The court also directed the Cox’s Bazar deputy commissioner to implement the order, the sources said.
Subsequently, on October 4, the Supreme Court reportedly stayed the order for two weeks and directed that the rule be disposed of within that period.
The precise scope of the court orders, subsequent directions and current legal status of sand extraction in the areas need to be verified through certified copies of the orders and statements from the relevant authorities.
Environmental and settlement concerns
Local community leader Abul Fazal Mia said continued unplanned sand extraction could alter the channel bed and banks. He said this could increase erosion and put nearby homes and settlements at risk.
Residents have also expressed concern about possible landslides in the Adinath Hill area and the surrounding hilly parts of Moheshkhali.
Development worker and local resident Rahel Akter said local people would ultimately bear the consequences if the channel and its surrounding environment were damaged.
“Sand extraction sites, quantities and operating hours must be strictly controlled to protect homes, land and the natural environment. I demand an investigation into allegations of irregularities and appropriate action,” she said.
Environmental and geological assessments are necessary to determine whether sand extraction contributes to potential erosion or landslide risks, according to concerned parties.
Nazrul Islam, organising secretary of the Cox’s Bazar district committee of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), called for immediate action to protect the Moheshkhali channel and the areas surrounding Adinath Hill.
“Experts should assess whether sand extraction is creating risks of erosion or landslides. Environmental protection and the safety of settlements must be given the highest priority,” he said.
Residents have called for regular monitoring of approved extraction boundaries, the quantity of sand removed, technical requirements for dredgers and permitted operating hours. They have also urged the authorities to ensure compliance with court directives and administrative conditions.
They called for an investigation, regular monitoring and necessary action to protect the natural environment of the Moheshkhali channel and nearby settlements.
By Tarekur Rahman
Photo: Tarekur Rahman
