Allegations have emerged that dredger pipes were installed through tunnels dug beneath the Nalchity-Barishal main regional highway in Khojakhali, Nalchity upazila of Jhalakathi. The July 31, 2026 report said the pipes are allegedly being used to extract and transport sand illegally from a river. Residents fear the riverbank highway, which is prone to erosion, could collapse after being damaged in this way.

A field visit found several sand depots in Khojakhali, with nearly all allegedly pulling dredger pipes under the road through tunnels without permission. On Sunday night, a sand depot called Bondhon Traders allegedly dug a deep new tunnel and installed another pipe. Its proprietor, Tanzir Hossain, denied creating the tunnel. Heavy vehicles use the river-adjacent highway day and night, adding to local concerns about a major accident.

Nalchity executive officer Rizvi Ahmed Sabuj said strict legal action would follow if the pipe is used to supply sand. Jhalakathi Roads and Highways sub-divisional engineer Md Al-Amin said his department had not authorized road excavation for pipes, calling it illegal. He said officials would inspect the site and take legal and administrative measures. Local residents have demanded pipe removal and exemplary punishment for those involved.