Sylhet: A five-member committee from the Cabinet Division, established to investigate the stone looting activities, made a visit today to the Bholaganj Sada Pathor tourist spot, situated under Companiganj in Sylhet. The committee's visit marks a significant step in addressing the recent concerns surrounding illegal activities in the area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the committee, headed by Zaheda Parveen, Secretary (Coordination and Reforms) of the Cabinet Division, inspected the Sada Pathor site this morning. During their visit, the team engaged with local traders, residents, and other stakeholders to gather insights and information pertinent to the ongoing investigation.
Following the site inspection, Zaheda Parveen addressed reporters, stating that she would refrain from commenting as the investigation into the stone looting was still active. Prior to their visit to Sada Pathor, the committee also toured the railway bunker area. The visit was attended by the Additional Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet, alongside officials from both the district and divisional administrations.
The probe body, formed on August 20, includes Zaheda Parveen and additional secretaries from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Ministry of Public Administration, and the Public Safety Department. The committee has been given a deadline of 10 working days to submit their findings.
According to the district administration, of the 25 lakh cubic feet of stone that have been looted, 600,000 cubic feet have been recovered and returned to the site. Additionally, 700,000 cubic feet of stone are prepared at Ghat No. 10 in Bholaganj, ready to be replaced at the Sada Pathor tourist spot in subsequent phases.
The illegal extraction of stones has significantly affected Sada Pathor in Bholaganj, which is known for its scenic beauty and attracts numerous tourists to Sylhet.