'Sada Pathor': District administration forms probe body over stone looting
The Sylhet district administration has formed a committee to investigate the large-scale looting of stones at the popular tourist site known as Sada Pathor in Companiganj. The committee, headed by an additional deputy commissioner, was formed yesterday (12 August).
Confirming the matter today (13 August), Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad said, "This looting incident is extremely regrettable. We have formed a committee to investigate what has been happening at Sada Pathor and why. The committee has been asked to submit its report as soon as possible."
The DC added that a meeting was convened today to review the situation and discuss the matter in detail. "Our drives are ongoing and will continue," he said.
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The looting spree began after the political changeover on 5 August last year, with stones being taken openly in front of the administration. Following initial crackdowns by the administration and the army, the illegal extraction stopped for some time, but surged again late last month.
At that time, a large amount of stone washed down from the Meghalaya hills with the monsoon floods, and thousands of laborers began extracting it daily. Hundreds of boats transported the stones away each day, with the looting continuing until Monday (11 August).
Following nationwide criticism, no stone collection was seen at Sada Pathor yesterday. However, locals claim the area has been stripped bare over the past 15 days, with stones worth several hundred crore taka stolen. They allege that sand and soil from the riverbanks were also taken.
From the start, the name of Companiganj Upazila BNP president Shahab Uddin has been linked to the looting - an allegation he denies. On Monday, the BNP central leadership suspended him from his post over stone looting allegations. Several other local BNP leaders have also been accused of involvement, with rumors surrounding some district and city BNP figures as well.
