The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has revealed explosive findings of large-scale illegal stone extraction at the Sadapathar tourist zone in Companyganj, Sylhet. The watchdog has identified at least 42 political leaders, businessmen, and influential figures allegedly involved in looting state-owned mineral resources, while local administration, police, and border guards were accused of negligence or complicity.
An enforcement team led by ACC Sylhet Deputy Director Rafi Md Najmus Sadat visited the area on 13 August and submitted its report to Dhaka. The findings became public this week.
According to the report, since the fall of the government on 5 August 2024, indiscriminate stone extraction has taken place, with resources worth several hundred crore taka plundered. The once-protected site has turned into pits and sandbanks.
Each truck of illegally mined stone, worth about Tk 91,000, carried a hidden levy of Tk 10,000 distributed among police and administration officials. Boats ferrying stones were also charged Tk 500 each. The money was allegedly shared by the Deputy Commissioner, UNOs, AC (Land), Superintendent of Police, local police officers, and others.
Companyganj Police Station OC Uzayer Al Mahmud Adnan and several of his colleagues were specifically named as collaborators. Sylhet SP Mahbubur Rahman, however, dismissed the claims, saying: “It is the ACC’s responsibility to prove these allegations. Baseless accusations cannot stand.”
The list of 42 accused includes:
21 from BNP, among them Sylhet city’s acting president Rezaul Hasan Kayes Lodi, secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury, and Companyganj BNP chief Sahab Uddin.
7 from the banned Awami League, including activists Bilal Mia, Shahabuddin, and Gias Uddin.
2 from Jamaat-e-Islami, including Amir Fakhrul Islam and secretary Zainal Abedin.
2 from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), including district chief Nazim Uddin.
11 influential businessmen and locals.
The report also pointed to the inaction of then–Sylhet DC Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad, and noted that Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi’s comments in a July 8 meeting — “If stone can be lifted across the country, why not in Sylhet?” — encouraged looters. Reza-un-Nabi later claimed his remarks were about leases, not theft.
The Bureau of Mineral Development (BMD) and three BGB camps in the area also failed to intervene, allegedly in exchange for financial benefits.
While the ACC listed 42 names, a government probe committee headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Padmasan Singh has since submitted a seven-page report on 20 August, identifying 137 individuals linked to the looting. The report also issued 10 recommendations to prevent a repeat of such theft.
Following a High Court directive, authorities have launched joint drives to recover looted stones:
Over 500,000 cubic feet have been seized across Sylhet and Narayanganj.
Another 250,000 cubic feet were seized in a three-day police drive in Dhupgul.
At Salutikar, officials recovered 11,000 cubic feet and arrested two suspects.
Cases have been filed naming more than 1,500 to 2,000 unidentified individuals alongside the listed suspects.
BNP and Jamaat leaders dismissed the allegations as a “political conspiracy.” NCP leaders also claimed innocence.
The ACC has sought approval to open a full investigation, while the Cabinet Division’s committee is due to finalize its report within 10 working days.
FP/Raj
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