A series of allegations involving illegal sand extraction, extortion, environmental damage, and misuse of influence have long surrounded the Jadukata River, located along the border area of Tahirpur upazila in Sunamganj. At the center of these allegations is Habib Sarwar Azad, the Tahirpur correspondent of the daily Jugantor.
According to multiple local sources, Azad allegedly used his identity as a journalist and claimed close connections with the chairman of Jamuna Group to establish influence in the area. However, Azad has denied the allegations, saying that being a journalist of a national daily and maintaining professional relationships with people associated with the organization is not unusual.
Several locals alleged that an influential syndicate had been operating around illegal sand extraction activities in the Jadukata River for years. They claimed that money was regularly collected from dredger operators and sand extraction activities, while Azad and his son allegedly used journalistic influence to control the operations.
It is alleged that sand extraction through dredging machines continued in Jadukata for years despite concerns over environmental damage, river erosion, and threats to the lives and livelihoods of riverside communities.
According to field information and local accounts, a large number of dredging machines were used to extract sand daily, which was later transported to different parts of the country through bulk carriers. However, these allegations could not be independently verified.
Local residents claimed that Azad’s influence was so significant that many river-related activities depended on his approval. Some alleged that those who opposed the activities faced pressure, including threats of negative media coverage.
Further allegations suggest that several individuals were assigned at the field level to collect money regularly from those involved in illegal sand extraction. Recently, a video circulated on social media where several individuals were allegedly heard discussing financial transactions. The authenticity of the video, however, could not be independently verified.
Local sources claimed that the collected money was handed over to Azad’s son, Shihab Sarwar Shipu, who allegedly played a key role in the activities. The issue came under renewed attention after Shipu was arrested on July 2 from the Bashundhara Shopping Mall area in Tejgaon, Dhaka.
Locals further alleged that Habib Sarwar Azad had previously faced various accusations related to irregularities and smuggling. According to their claims, his name was also discussed in connection with a case involving seized Indian onions in 2024. Allegations involving arms and smuggling-related cases have also been raised against his son Shihab Sarwar Shipu. However, the current legal status of these allegations could not be confirmed.
Residents also claimed that allegations of using journalistic identity to exercise influence and collect money across Tahirpur, Bishwambharpur, Dharmapasha, Chhatak, and Doarabazar areas have existed for a long time.
When contacted for comments, Habib Sarwar Azad rejected the allegations of collecting money, describing them as false and motivated. He said he was unaware if anyone had used his name for such activities. Although he admitted that he had not visited the area recently, he disconnected the phone call without responding to further questions.
According to police sources, during questioning, Azad identified himself as a staff reporter of the daily Jugantor and claimed to have close connections with the organization’s senior authorities.
Police sources also stated that his son Shihab Sarwar Shipu was a former vice-president of the Bangladesh Chhatra League unit at MC College and was named as an accused in a case filed after August 5.
Alim Uddin, whose name also appeared in the allegations, said he was an ordinary person and did not want to comment on the matter. He later acknowledged that he previously visited the river area but had not been involved there for the past few months.
Tahirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Faruk Ahmed said he had heard about various allegations surrounding the Jadukata River before assuming his current position. However, he claimed that illegal sand extraction is not currently taking place in the river. He declined to comment on previous allegations.
The Jadukata River is known as one of Bangladesh’s most scenic border rivers. Environmental activists and concerned citizens believe that allegations involving illegal sand extraction, extortion, and influential syndicates should be investigated impartially.
Local residents have urged authorities to take legal action against anyone found responsible through proper investigation in order to protect the river, the environment, and public interest.
