A jurisdictional dispute has erupted between Bangladesh’s Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Shipping over control of the country’s sand extraction zones, known as balumahals. The conflict intensified after three district commissioners lodged complaints alleging that the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), under the Shipping Ministry, issued sand extraction permits without local administrative approval. Two inter-ministerial meetings failed to resolve the issue.

Land Ministry officials argue that, under the Sand and Soil Management Rules 2025, they hold sole authority to lease and regulate sand resources through district-level committees. BIWTA, however, claims jurisdiction over riverine sand zones under the 1958 BIWTA Ordinance, citing navigational safety responsibilities. The dispute has exposed overlapping legal frameworks and revived allegations of past political influence over sand trade networks.

The Cabinet Division has directed further consultations involving multiple ministries. Officials suggest that amendments to the 2025 regulations may be considered to clarify authority and prevent future conflicts, as unregulated sand extraction continues to raise environmental and governance concerns.