In Madaripur’s Kalkini upazila, large-scale illegal sand extraction from farmland is being used to fill a government canal, according to local reports on June 30, 2026. The activity is taking place in Uttar Shikarmangal village under Shikarmangal Union, allegedly led by local influential figures Jalil Sardar, Alamgir Khan, and Jahangir Khan, with dredging operations managed by a known sand trader named Biman Munshi. Sand is being pumped directly into the canal without any administrative approval, and a major section has already been filled, putting nearby agricultural land at risk of collapse.

Local farmers claim their protests have been ignored and that they are facing threats from those involved. Residents allege that the filled canal area is being prepared for housing construction, undermining the government’s canal excavation program and raising fears of long-term waterlogging during the monsoon. They have urged immediate administrative and legal action to stop the illegal activity and protect public property.

Kalkini Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saif Ul Arefin stated that legal measures will be taken against anyone found filling government canals with sand.