Criticism sparks over inclusion of Companiganj UNO in Sada Pathor looting investigation 

The credibility of the Sada Pathor investigation is in question after Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Azizunnahar, accused of failing to prevent massive looting, was included in the three-member inquiry committee, raising serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Following nationwide criticism, District Commissioner Sher Mahbub Murad formed the committee on 12 August, headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Padmasen Singh, with UNO Azizunnahar and an Assistant Director from the Department of Environment as members, raising questions about impartiality.

The looting occurred while Azizunnahar was in office. She assumed the role of UNO on 14 January 2025. Since the plunder began, allegations of negligence and possible involvement have emerged against UNO Azizunnahar. Repeated attempts to reach her for comment have gone unanswered.

A video circulated on Facebook Saturday shows the UNO standing with Ansar members as stones were loaded onto boats, with no visible effort to stop the looting. The timing of the video remains unclear.

The committee was tasked with inspecting the site, identifying those responsible, and submitting a report within three working days. As of this afternoon (17 August), no report had been submitted.

Local environmental activists allege the looting involved collusion between the UNO and local administration, suggesting systemic negligence in protecting public resources.

Advocate Shah Shaheda Akter, Coordinator of Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA) Sylhet, criticized the UNO's inclusion, calling it a "mockery of the public," as the officer present during the looting is now overseeing the investigation.

The District Commissioner clarified that the UNO will serve in a secretarial role, providing information and documents, and assured that any proven negligence would lead to appropriate action.

Meanwhile, under the leadership of Executive Magistrate Ashik Mahmud Kabir, a joint force recovered over 11,000 cubic feet of buried stone at Salutikor Bhata in Sylhet Sadar Upazila, arresting two individuals alleged to be involved. 

Earlier raids in the Dhopagul area recovered 250,000 cubic feet of stone, with additional seizures of 2,500 cubic feet in Binnakandi (Fatepur Union, Goainghat) and 5,000 cubic feet in Jaintapur.

Operations to prevent looting and recover stones have been ongoing since 13 August, with over 400,000 cubic feet recovered to date. 

The Department of Mines has filed cases against nearly 2,000 unidentified individuals at Companyganj Police Station. Up until now, a total of 11 arrests have been made in connection with the Sada Pathor looting. 

In a separate 2024 case, Alamgir Hossain, Chairman of West Islampur Union and BNP leader, was also arrested.

The looting reportedly began after the political transition on 5 August 2024, with leaders from all major political parties allegedly involved. Large quantities of stones accumulated at the mouth of the Dhalai River were openly loaded onto boats daily, with even riverbank sand extracted. 

Investigations indicate the looting was led by 16 BNP leaders, with multiple Awami League leaders implicated. Shahab Uddin, the President of Companiganj Upazila BNP, has been suspended from the party.

In response to a writ, the High Court has ordered that the looted stones be recovered and restored within seven days, and directed that a complete list of those involved be submitted to the court.