2,000 cubic feet stones looted from Jaflong being restored, 2 accused BNP leaders expelled from party

Much like the stone thefts in Sada Pathor area of Companiganj upazila, stones looted from Jaflong, a tourist spot in Goainhat upazila, Sylhet, are now being recovered and brought back to their original location. 

A joint operation was conducted under the supervision of Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Ratan Kumer Adhikari, with the assistance of local police and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). About 2,000 cubic feet of stones were recovered from different trucks and reinstalled at Jaflong Zero Point.

Goainghat UNO Ratan Kumer said, "Operations are ongoing to reinstall the stones looted overnight from Jaflong Zero Point." 

"If necessary, operations will continue throughout the night," he added.

According to locals, from 5 August last year (2024) until Tuesday (15 August), stones and sand were openly looted from the environmentally critical area (ECA) in Jaflong. Although cases were filed with the Department of Environment against those involved, not many were arrested.

However, two BNP leaders accused in the stone looting case - Shah Alam Swapon and Rafiqul Islam Shahporan - have been expelled from the party, according to media reports.

Earlier, a meeting was held at Ballaghat picnic center with the participation of stone workers and businessmen to discuss the protection of the stones.

The local administration has stated that a joint security team will remain on guard round the clock to prevent further theft.

Additionally, 12,000 cubic feet of looted stones were also recovered by authorities in the Sada Pathor area of Companiganj upazila, a popular tourist spot in Sylhet, yesterday (14 August).