In Haimchar upazila of Chandpur, illegal sand extraction from the banks of the Meghna River has completely eroded a local playground and put a river protection embankment worth hundreds of millions of taka at serious risk. Police confirmed on Tuesday night, April 7, that five individuals were arrested in connection with the incident. The seized equipment includes a bulkhead named “MB Mim Enterprise” and an unloading vessel called “Ma-Babar Doa.”

Local residents reported that the playground in Gazinagar, where children regularly played football, disappeared overnight after sand was removed using dredgers. Community members expressed anger and fear that the erosion could destroy their homes if the embankment collapses. Haimchar BNP’s general secretary demanded strict punishment for those responsible, regardless of political affiliation.

Haimchar’s Upazila Nirbahi Officer said the site has been inspected and repair work ordered with the help of the Water Development Board. The board’s sub-divisional engineer stated that stored blocks are being used to prevent further erosion while awaiting higher authority decisions.