Addressing the proceedings, the High Court has ordered the authorities concerned to stop, and prevent, illegal sand extraction from the Meghna river, in that area. It has issued a ruling asking why the illegal sand mining should not be declared illegal and why the people involved, and responsible, for such activities should not be brought under the law and punished accordingly. The writ petition applicant Hasan Mahmud said: "Due to the illegal sand extraction the city embankment might collapse. Chandpur Additional District Magistrate Mohammad Abdulah Al Mahmud Zaman said: "We have received orders to stop illegal sand extraction from north of Matlab. "However, we are to yet receive the High Court order regarding the illegal sand mining from the areas of Sadar-Haimchar Meghna river.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 18, 2019 07:07 UTC