Md. Masud Khan, Munshiganj (South) 

Illegal excavation of agricultural land and soil trading without administrative approval is reportedly taking place in Uttar Holdia Mouza of Holdia Union in Louhajang Upazila, Munshiganj. This has led to a gradual shrinkage of cultivable land, which—though on a small scale—could negatively impact the nation’s overall crop production.

According to locals, the operation is being led by a man popularly known as “Mati Sumon,” also referred to as “Veku Sumon,” whose unchecked activities are expanding day by day. A field visit on Wednesday, June 18, revealed that a pocket was being dug using an excavator (locally called 'Veku') on farmland west of the Karpasha Talukdar residence. Just a little further ahead, traces of similar excavation could be seen in three to four more plots.

Local sources claim that former Jubo League leader SM Moktar, Murad Parvez Dulal, and Veku Sumon are behind the commercial destruction of this fertile land. It is alleged that they have been cutting land every 30 feet using two excavators continuously for several days to create these “pockets.”

Sumon, widely known as “Mati Sumon,” has previously faced multiple allegations related to illegal soil excavation. Last year, the Upazila administration seized his excavator and fined him through a mobile court. He had also submitted a written undertaking promising not to dig agricultural land again. However, residents say that the situation has only worsened, and his activities have expanded.

Despite being aware of the issue, residents claim that the local land office of Holdia Union has taken no action, allowing these influential individuals to destroy agricultural land without any hindrance.

In response, Louhajang UNO  Md. Nesar Uddin said, it  was informed of the matter just a short while ago through journalists. We will investigate immediately and take legal action. There is no room for destroying agricultural land—we are taking a firm stance.”

Locals are now questioning: amidst ongoing national crises, how are certain individuals using their political identity—specifically affiliation with the ruling Awami League—to openly conduct such activities while the administration remains silent?