Hundreds of acres of government-owned agricultural land inside the Sirajganj town protection embankment have reportedly been illegally occupied for sand stockpiling and the construction of the Choyamoni Dockyard. The facility was allegedly built by Abdus Sattar, president of the Awami League’s Ward 10 unit in Sirajganj municipality. Officials from the Water Development Board warned that the dockyard could obstruct monsoon water flow and endanger the embankment’s stability, raising fears among residents.

Local landowners claimed that Sattar used political influence to seize land that had re-emerged after river erosion and silt deposition, building permanent structures and conducting sand trading. Sattar denied all allegations, asserting that he legally purchased the land and obtained clearance from the Department of Environment. However, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that the land is classified as government property and that occupying or constructing on it is a punishable offense. An investigation has been initiated, and authorities plan to remove illegal structures.

Officials from the Water Development Board confirmed that no permission was granted for construction within the river area, adding uncertainty over the dockyard’s legal status.