Moulvibazar, Oct. 10 -- Unabated sand lifting from different points of Monu River is posing a serious threat to the people living on its banks in Sadar upazila.

Witnesses said leaseholders, backed by influential groups, were lifting sands in Amua, Chanpur, Shewaijuri and Sumarai areas without paying heed to rules and regulations.

As per the national lease policy, sand lifting is prohibited from bridges, culverts, roads, ferry terminals, tea estates, river embankments and adjacent places to other important establishments.

The leaseholders are flouting the law by using bulkheads for pumping and dredging in broad daylight. But Moni Mia, one of the leaseholders, said he was following government rules while lifting sand.

Locals alleged tha...