The Kushiyara and Shakha Barak rivers in Nabiganj are facing an existential crisis due to illegal sand extraction, encroachment, and pollution. A syndicate led by Awami League leaders Abdul Matin Achab, Roni, and Dulal has been actively involved in unauthorized sand mining.
Following a public uprising, several former BNP representatives and Jubo Dal leaders allegedly provided shelter to these ruling party leaders, allowing them to continue their illegal activities under a new guise. Despite continuous protests against the unlawful extraction of sand from the Kushiyara River, the authorities have remained largely inactive, raising concerns about administrative negligence.