Sromik Dal Leader Stages Sit-In at UNO Office Over Illegal Sand Mining Convictions

Local Correspondent

A mobile court sentenced five individuals to jail for illegal sand mining in Sherpur’s Jhenaigati upazila. Among them, sramik dal joint convener Masud Arman received a one-month jail term and a fine of Tk 500, while the remaining four were sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) Anindita Rani Bhowmik led the operation on the evening of Jan. 28, during which authorities seized a truck loaded with illegally mined sand. Four individuals on the truck were detained and prosecuted under Section 15(1) of the Sand Quarry and Soil Management Act, resulting in the 10-day sentences.

Around 9:30 p.m., Masud Arman led approximately 200 BNP members and affiliates in a protest, surrounding the office of the upazila executive officer. They demanded the release of the detainees and demonstrated against the UNO and assistant commissioner.

Security forces, including additional police and army personnel, were deployed from Sherpur Sadar to manage the situation. Authorities arrested Masud Arman for obstructing government operations and involvement in illegal sand mining. He was subsequently sentenced to one month in jail.

The five convicted individuals—Helal (30) of Bondhobotpara, Hazrat (28) of Ramerkura, Azimuddin (31) of Barowari, and Moniraj (25) of Chariapara in Sreebordi—were sent to district jail under heavy security.

The UNO, Ashraful Alam Russell, stated that similar operations would continue to protect the environment and public interest.