Citizens Protest Against Illegal Sand Mining in Surma River

On Friday, March 14, 2025, a human chain was formed at Chandni Ghat on the banks of the Surma River to protest ongoing illegal sand extraction in several rivers, including Surma, Kushiyara, Piyain, Sari, and Dholai. On the occasion of International Day for the Action on Rivers 2025, the protest was organized by DHORA-Sylhet and Surma River Waterkeeper. The event was chaired by Dr. Mustafa Shahjaman Chowdhury, Convener of DHORA-Sylhet, and attended by Dr. Mohammad Zahirul Haque, Vice Chancellor of Metropolitan University, as the chief guest. Speakers included Abdul Karim Kim, member secretary of DHORA-Sylhet and Surma River Waterkeeper, and several local leaders and environmental activists.