A local union parishad member has been accused of extracting sand from the beach area of Char Heyar, a prospective tourist destination in Rangabali upazila of Patuakhali. The sand was allegedly used to build embankments for fish enclosures and for sale. A video obtained by Amar Desh reportedly shows workers loading sand from the coastal sandbar onto a trawler, with another trawler positioned nearby after one was loaded.

Local sources identified Saidul Pyada as the union parishad member for Ward No. 6 of Rangabali Union. Trawler staff member Manju Biswas said the sand was taken for an embankment at Saidul Member’s fish enclosure and claimed the extraction caused no problem because the site had since been filled. When asked again, he said the sand was for constructing a cowshed, while denying allegations that it was sold.

Char Montaj beat officer Nasir Uddin said he later collected Saidul’s phone number and spoke to him, and that Saidul admitted taking sand. He said legal proceedings were under way. Saidul said he would meet the reporter in the evening, but no detailed statement was obtained later. Rangabali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Nazmul Hasan said he was on leave and would learn about the matter before commenting.