Shahadat Hossain Sajjad, Raozan (Chattogram)

A thriving illegal sand trade is ongoing along the Chattogram–Rangamati highway, with a syndicate operating in the West Gohira Sattarghat area using political influence. The movement of sand on and off the road has significantly increased the number of accidents in the area.

On-site investigation reveals that sand is being illegally extracted from the Halda River and piled up beside the highway. The illegal trade is openly active at at least 10 different points from Halda Bridge Sattarghat to West Gohira in the Raozan segment of the road. Trucks and jeeps (locally known as "chander gari") are used to sell and transport the sand.

Additionally, in the Baina Pukurpar area of Raozan, sand, brick, and stone trading has been going on by the roadside for a long time with seemingly no oversight. Locals say that sub-contractors are using parts of the highway for their construction material business, narrowing the road and leading to frequent accidents.

Residents complain that the accumulation of wet sand extracted from the Halda is damaging the road and that dust from these sand piles is blowing into the air, causing serious discomfort for pedestrians and nearby residents. Accidents occur regularly, injuring ordinary people.

Investigations indicate a syndicate of 20–30 people involved in this business, each with their own sand pits. They illegally extract sand from various points in the Halda River and stockpile it on the highway for commercial sale—causing significant revenue loss for the government.

Teachers and students from Yunus-Sufia High School and Hamdu Mia Government Primary School report that on their way to school, sand-laden air irritates their eyes and faces. Young children are suffering from sneezing, coughing, and other health issues due to exposure to the dust.

Umme Habiba Kusum, a schoolgirl, said, “Our entire school is covered in dust from the sand piled on the road. Many of our classmates are getting sick. This business must be stopped.”

A teacher from Hamdu Mia Government Primary School, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “This illegal sand business is taking place right beside our school. Our young students are falling ill due to the dust. We want to protect these children and urge the administration to immediately shut down this business.”

Regarding the matter, Raozan Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land), Angching Marma, stated: “Several operations have been conducted and fines have been imposed for illegal sand extraction. Legal action will be taken against those extracting sand from the Halda River illegally, and measures will be taken to stop sand trading that occupies the highway.”