Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today announced the formation of a high-level committee to explore the potential for limited stone extraction in specific areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj, with a focus on environmental conservation and law and order.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister spoke to journalists following a meeting on stone quarry management at the ministry. He emphasized that the government will adhere strictly to all environmental laws, mining regulations, and court directives before making any decisions on leasing stone quarries. Ecologically sensitive areas, such as Jaflong, are to be excluded from any leasing plans.
The committee, chaired by the Sylhet Divisional Commissioner, will include deputy commissioners from Sylhet and Sunamganj, representatives from the Department of Environment, Water Resources Ministry, Geological Survey authorities, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Mineral Resources Ministry, and police superintendents of the two districts. The committee's responsibilities will include conducting field-level inspections to identify areas where limited stone extraction can occur without environmental damage.
Ahmed further explained that the committee will assess river sedimentation near the India-Bangladesh border, water flow issues caused by accumulated sand and stones, and riverbank erosion in border regions. The team will also propose safe extraction depths and identify tourist areas that need protection. Prominent tourist sites, such as Bichanakandi, Bholaganj, and the white stone areas of Sylhet, are to be preserved for their tourism value.
The minister stated that law enforcement agencies will help prevent illegal stone extraction and "stone looting." The committee is expected to submit its report by the end of the month, with another meeting scheduled for the first week of the following month to make further policy decisions. Additionally, the government plans to review all ongoing legal matters related to stone quarries, including High Court orders and a pending Supreme Court case, before proceeding with any actions.