Six shot during protest against illegal sand extraction in Nabinagar

At least six people were injuried when armed men opened fire on villagers protesting illegal sand extraction at Nabinagar in Brahmanbaria.

The incident took place at Char Lapang of West Union of the upazila on Sunday morning (February 22).

The injured include Nurul Amin, 42, Rauf Mia, 45, Safar Mia, 50, Siam Hossain, 16, Jasim Uddin, 40, and Ibrahim, 30.

They were first taken to Nabinagar Upazila Health Complex and later admitted to Brahmanbaria General Hospital for advanced treatment. Doctors confirmed all were hit by pellet rounds, and none are in critical condition.

According to local officials, a powerful group has been illegally extracting sand from the Meghna River near Char Lapang using over 50 excavation machines for an extended period, causing riverbank erosion and damage to nearby agricultural lands. Despite previous administrative crackdowns, mining reportedly resumed.

On Sunday, villagers gathered to protest the illegal activity when 20–30 armed men on speedboats attacked, leaving six injured and several others hurt.

Police, led by OC Rafiqul Islam and Additional SP Pias Basak, reached the scene.

Nabinagar Upazila Executive Officer Mahmudul Hasan said no official sand lease exists in Char Lapang, and the attackers are currently at large. Coordination with Narsingdi authorities is underway for a joint operation.

Brahmanbaria-5 MP M A Mannan directed strict legal action against the perpetrators and vowed to curb such violent acts.