Dhaka, Oct. 23 -- Where is now Haji Abdus Sattar, also the kingpin of the sand empire in Sirajganj? Such questions are often being heard from people.

There are allegations that this much-talked-about sand trader, who obtained a strong position in the Awami League, is currently in hiding but is controlling his vast sand empire from behind the scenes by managing law enforcers and local BNP leaders.

All five sand palaces, locally known as 'Balu Mohal', in the district are still under his control. Although on paper the number of 'Balu Mohal' in the district is now 4 to 5, sand extraction is going on all over the Jamuna River. As a result, people on the banks of the river are constantly being subjected to river erosion. Various important str...