Unplanned dredging along the Dhaleshwari and Shitalakshya rivers at Char Muktarpur in Munshiganj has triggered riverbank erosion. On April 27, the BIWTA leased 41,81,250 cubic feet of sand and soil removal for BDT 11 million through a tender. Dredging began on June 29 with a 90-day target. However, violations of the tender guidelines and unplanned dredging with additional dredgers immediately caused widespread riverbank collapse.

According to BIWTA conditions, no structures or public property on the riverbank should be damaged during soil and sand removal. Additionally, adjacent mills and factories should also not be disrupted. Despite this, the problems started immediately after the unplanned dredging.

Although only 10 dredgers were approved to work daily, 20 to 25 are operating, often continuing late into the night, violating the daytime-only work rule. Locals report that these dredging activities have put nearly one kilometer of Char Muktarpur at risk, with around one acre of land already lost to the river. Multiple lawsuits and fines against contractors have failed to stop the aggressive sand removal.

Ashraful Haque, Manager of Shah Cement Factory in Char Muktarpur, said, “Following government regulations during dredging is crucial. Otherwise, the environment and river-adjacent factories are at risk.”

Residents allege that the entire sand quota was removed in just 20 days. They warn that continued riverbank erosion could consume all surrounding land, leaving no space for habitation, and have called for the dredging to stop immediately to prevent further damage.

BIWTA Deputy Director Md Mobarak Hossain Mazumdar said, “The lessee was appointed to remove artificially filled areas of the river. Due to violations and the resulting erosion, the lessee has been cautioned. We have instructed that the work be carried out according to rules and that dredging be conducted at a safe distance from eroded areas.”