The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the massive stone looting scandal at Bholaganj Sada Pathor tourist spot in Sylhet’s Companiganj upazila, as authorities work to uncover the full extent of corruption involving political leaders, administrative officials, and law enforcement personnel.
Major Breakthrough in Investigation
The investigation gained momentum after a probe committee submitted a detailed report naming 137 individuals involved in the systematic looting of approximately one million cubic feet of white stones from the popular tourist destination. The seven-page report reveals the involvement of political party leaders and activists from across the spectrum, marking one of the largest environmental crimes in recent memory.
A five-member Cabinet Division committee, led by Senior Secretary Mokhles Ur Rahman, conducted an on-site inspection of the Sada Pathor area on Monday, August 26, 2025. The committee has been tasked with submitting its findings within 10 working days to determine the full scope of the looting operation.
High-Level Officials Implicated
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered evidence of direct and indirect involvement of 42 politicians and influential figures in the stone looting operation. The investigation has revealed shocking details about administrative complicity, with the ACC report naming:
- Sylhet’s divisional commissioner
- Former deputy commissioner
- Superintendent of police
- Former upazila nirbahi officer
- Officer-in-charge of Companiganj
The scandal has already triggered significant administrative changes, with Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad being made Officer on Special Duty (OSD) – considered a punitive transfer – and Companiganj UNO Azizunnahar being transferred from her position.
Political Parties Under Scanner
The investigation has implicated leaders and activists from multiple political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizens’ Party (NCP), and Awami League. The Sylhet city unit BNP has vehemently denied the allegations, with acting president Rezaul Hasan Koyel Ludhi calling the accusations “false, baseless, and intentional”.
Massive Financial Impact
According to official estimates, stones worth several hundred crores of taka have been illegally extracted from the government-gazetted quarry area since August 2024. The district administration reports that out of 2.5 million cubic feet of stones looted, approximately 600,000 cubic feet have been recovered and replaced at the site, with another 700,000 cubic feet ready for reinstallation.
Legal Action and Arrests
The Bureau of Mineral Development has filed cases against 1,500 to 2,000 unidentified persons in connection with the looting. Police have arrested five individuals so far, including Mohammad Kamal, Abu Sayeed, Abul Kalam, Iman Ali, and Jahangir Alam, with two arrested while transporting trucks loaded with stolen stones.
High Court Intervention
The High Court has issued orders demanding the recovery and reinstallation of looted stones following a public interest litigation filed on August 14. The court has also directed authorities to submit lists of suspected individuals involved in the environmental destruction.
Recovery Operations Continue
Joint forces comprising police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and army personnel are conducting extensive recovery operations across Sylhet district. Recent drives have recovered significant quantities of stones from various locations, including 40,000 cubic feet from Narayanganj and substantial amounts from crusher mills and residential areas.
The Bholaganj Sada Pathor, located near the Meghalaya border and famous for its crystal-clear water and white stone formations, has been a major tourist attraction generating significant revenue for the local economy. The systematic looting has not only caused environmental damage but has also severely impacted the tourism industry in the region.
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizeana Hasan has held the local administration directly responsible for failing to prevent the stone looting, emphasizing the government’s commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice regardless of their political affiliations or administrative positions.
