Sunamganj, Feb. 2 -- In the sprawling wetlands of Noluar Haor, the sound of idle excavators echoes across the fields, as machinery stands ready, dump trucks lined up, yet embankment work on several critical projects has stalled - all for want of soil.

For the local Project Implementation Committees (PICs), the shortage has become a source of growing frustration.

Committees overseeing projects 6, 7, 8, and 9 are among the hardest hit. Some have only recently begun construction, while others brought equipment weeks ago, hoping to start work immediately.

"We cannot proceed properly because of the soil shortage," said Rubel Mia, UP member and president of PIC 9, adding, "We are even buying soil from elsewhere just to get started."

These e...