The local administration in Tahirpur upazila has decided to suspend sand extraction and transportation from the Jadukata River for ten days, from April 20 to April 30, to free up labour for the ongoing Boro paddy harvest in the haor areas.
All sand lifting and transport activities from the Jadukata River will remain closed from April 20 to April 30, announced revenue officer Ruhul Amin over loudspeaker in the area on Saturday.
The decision was taken considering the need of farmers for labour during the peak harvesting season.
Legal action will be taken against anyone violating the restriction during this period.
Officials said that every year, labour shortages occur in haor areas during the Boro harvesting season, and similar steps are taken to ensure farmers can harvest their crops on time.
The move was taken following directives from MP Kamruzzaman Kamrul of Sunamganj-1 constituency.
Shahrukh Alam Shantanu, assistant commissioner of Tahirpur Upazila (land) said the suspension aims to ensure that the farmers from haor areas can harvest, thresh and safely bring home their hard-earned Boro paddy without facing labour shortages.