Dredging empire of Nure Alam Sareng : Sand, soil trade continue despite repeated raids in Louhajganj
Munshiganj (South) Correspondent
Allegations have been raised against influential local figure Nure Alam Sareng for illegally cutting and selling soil from agricultural land in Maizgaon Mouza under Khidirpura and Boultali unions of Louhajang Upazila in Munshiganj district.
According to locals, despite multiple drives, fines, and destruction of dredgers by the administration, his illegal business continues unabated.
On.the spot it was seen on Friday that drum dredgers were being operated openly in broad daylight in the middle of fertile farmland. During the monsoon season, these dredgers extract soil from the water-filled fields and transport it through pipelines to various filling sites in Sirajdikhan and Sreenagar upazilas.
Farmers said, lands once used to cultivate potatoes and paddy are now being exploited for illegal soil extraction. Already, around 10 acres of fertile topsoil have been removed. Locals also alleged that Nure Alam Sareng purchases land, mortgages it to banks for loans, and then sells the soil from those very plots for double profit.
Residents claimed that for years, no one dared to speak against this powerful syndicate. Although local journalists’ reports prompted several administrative raids, he repeatedly sets up dredgers in new locations and resumes his operations.
When asked, Louhajang UNO Md. Nesar Uddin said, Administrative surveillance against illegal dredging is ongoing. Regular drives are being conducted, and strict measures will be taken soon.”
