The sand ghats in the Katakhal area of Companiganj Upazila, Sylhet district, are an integral part of Bangladesh's local economy. These sand ghats, developed along the banks of the Katakhal River, a branch of the Surma River, remain bustling with activity throughout the day. As dawn breaks, the workers' busy schedule begins, continuing until sunset. Sand is extracted from the riverbed, accumulated in heaps at the ghat, and then follows the process of sifting, loading onto boats, and dispatching to various parts of the country. These sand ghats are not merely a source of livelihood for local laborers but also supply essential raw materials for the nation's construction industry, making a significant contribution to keeping the economy's wheels turning.
Companiganj's Katakhal area is rich in natural resources. The sand extracted from its riverbed is of high quality, leading to nationwide demand. The impact of these sand ghats on the local economy is far-reaching. Thousands of people depend directly and indirectly on this industry for their livelihood. Not just the sand extraction workers, but also boat operators, ghat traders, owners and laborers of trucks and trawlers transporting sand, and even local tea stall owners and small-scale businesspeople, all rely on the activity of these sand ghats. It is like a self-sufficient, small economic ecosystem where every component is intricately linked to one another.
The process of sand extraction is quite laborious and challenging. Sand is brought up from the deep riverbed using a combination of specialized machinery and traditional methods. This wet sand is then piled up at the ghat, where it is dried by sunlight and exposure to air. After drying, the sand sifting process begins. Large sieves are used to separate pebbles and other impurities from the sand, ensuring pure sand suitable for construction work is obtained. This entire process requires not only physical exertion but also skill from the workers. Working tirelessly all day, enduring sun and rain, they make this valuable resource ready for use.
Once the sand is sifted, it is ready for sale. Wholesale and retail buyers purchase sand from the temporary markets at the ghat. Then begins the task of loading sand onto boats. Large cargo boats or trawlers are loaded with sand, which is a massive undertaking. Workers use spades and shovels to load sand onto boats for hours on end. This work is also extremely strenuous, but through their continuous efforts, one sand-laden boat after another departs the ghat for distant destinations. This sand is used in the construction of buildings, roads, and infrastructure development in various parts of the country, contributing to the overall development of Bangladesh.
The lives of these sand ghat workers are a reflection of hard labor and adversity. Neither the scorching heat of intense summer nor the incessant rain of the monsoon can dampen their work ethic. Driven by the need for livelihood, they dedicate themselves to this arduous work from morning till evening every day. It is through their hands that the economy of the sand ghat remains active. For many workers, this job is the sole source of income for their families. As a result of their back-breaking labor, construction work proceeds smoothly in various parts of the country. The vast operations of this sector stand upon their personal sacrifice and toil.
This long process of extracting sand from the riverbed and delivering it to various parts of the country is not merely a trade; it is a continuous struggle for the livelihood of thousands of people. The Katakhal sand ghat in Sylhet's Companiganj is a symbolic representation of that struggle. The activity here is not just a picture of commodity transport; it is a unique story of human indomitable will, hard work, and survival. These sand ghats are a small but extremely important part of Bangladesh's economy, constantly contributing silently to the nation's development and bringing smiles to the faces of local people.
It is expected that these sand ghats will continue to play a significant role in the country's construction industry in the future. However, improving the working environment for the involved laborers and ensuring their health protection are equally important issues. Local administration and relevant authorities should pay more attention to improving the living standards of those involved in this sector, so that their labor becomes safer and more productive. This unceasing activity at the sand ghat is not merely a commercial scene; it is the heartbeat of Bangladesh's rural economy and a living example of people's industrious lives.
