Two fined Tk 1 lakh for illegal soil excavation in Jhenaidah

A mobile court in Kaliganj upazila fined two individuals a total of Taka 1 lakh on Thursday for the illegal excavation of soil from agricultural land. The operation was carried out to prevent activities that jeopardize local farming and environmental stability. The mobile court conducted the raids on Thursday afternoon across various areas within the Jamal and Kola Unions of Kaliganj upazila. Led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abdullah Al Faruk, the operation targeted unauthorized soil cutting that caused long-term damage to the terrain.

Information regarding the penalties and the scope of the drive was formally shared by the Kaliganj upazila administration this morning. During the drive, two separate cases were filed against the accused individuals. The mobile court issued the sentences under Section 13 of the Land Crime Prevention and Redress Act, 2023, after the offenses were proven. The court imposed a total fine of Taka 1 lakh on the two perpetrators for their involvement in the illegal activity.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abdullah Al Faruk characterized illegal soil excavation as a serious offense with detrimental consequences for the community. Assigning the reasons for the legal action, the AC Land said the practice is strictly prohibited due to harm to agricultural land productivity by significantly degrading the fertility and quality of farmland topsoil and negative impact on the local environment by disrupting the ecological balance and regional environmental health.

The Kaliganj upazila administration has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal land activities. Officials stated that regular drives will continue to be conducted to identify and penalize violators. Strict legal measures will be implemented against any individuals who disregard land laws as part of an ongoing effort to protect the region's essential agricultural resources and environmental integrity.