Md. Mohibbullah Hawladar, Pirojpur District Correspondent

Residents of Vandaria in Pirojpur staged a human chain on Sunday, demanding an end to illegal sand extraction at the Charkhali estuary of the Kacha River, measures to prevent river erosion, and protection of riverside homes and settlements.

The protest was held at around 10am near Charkhali Ferry Ghat, organised by residents of erosion-affected areas along the river.

At one point, the human chain turned into a blockade, disrupting road and water transport. Ferry services remained suspended for around one and a half hours, causing hardship for thousands of people.

The protesters withdrew after Ujjwal Halder, assistant commissioner (land) of the upazila, arrived on behalf of the administration and assured them that action would be taken against illegal sand extraction. Traffic in the Charkhali area subsequently returned to normal.

Those who spoke at the protest included upazila Jubo Dal leader Md Al-Amin Hawladar, Union Parishad member Md Monirul Islam, local resident Abdul Wahab Majhi and Manik Mridha.

The speakers warned that continued illegal sand extraction at the Charkhali estuary could put riverside houses, homesteads and entire settlements at serious risk. They urged the authorities to take immediate and effective steps to stop the practice in the public interest.

They also called for effective measures to prevent river erosion, protect riverside communities and identify those involved in illegal sand extraction for legal action.

Ujjwal Halder, assistant commissioner (land), said, “If the concerned contractors are extracting sand illegally in violation of the rules, we will take steps to prevent it through the deputy commissioner.”