The administration in Companiganj, Sylhet has been active in protecting the infamous “Sada Pathor” and Dholai Bridge, the longest bridge in the adjoining district.
A large-scale joint force operation was launched to prevent the illegal extraction and theft of sand and stones from the base of the bridge. Over two days, 103 sand-laden boats were seized and 12 looters arrested and subsequently sentenced to imprisonment.
Police sources report that this combined joint force operation began on Monday at 10am under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Palash Talukdar.
During the operation, 91 boats engaged in illegally extracting sand and stones from underneath the Dholai Bridge were seized. These boats are currently in the custody of the joint forces.
Furthermore, OC Ratan Sheikh revealed that, during a mobile court operation in the same area late on Sunday night, another 12 sand-laden boats were seized and 12 sand looters arrested and sentenced to three months of imprisonment each.
Earlier, in July, the local administration faced widespread criticism over the the looting of stones from Bholaganj Sada Pathor. Subsequently, Md Sarwar Alam was appointed as the Sylhet District Administrator, and the UNO and OC of Companiganj were transferred.
During an ACC investigation at that time, the names of 42 political leaders, including BNP and Jamaat leaders, emerged in connection with the stone looting incident.
Regarding sand looting, the names of over fifty looters, led by District Jubo Dal General Secretary Moksud Ahmad and Companiganj Upazila Awami League Vice-President (currently in jail) Abdul Adud Alfu Mia, were also published in the media.
Following this, Companiganj Thana Police have already arrested several individuals, including Rupa Mia, in the case of sand looting at Dhalarpar. The mobile court has sentenced 26 individuals caught red-handed in recent operations to various terms of imprisonment.
Newly appointed Assistant Commissioner (Land) Palash Talukdar has conducted multiple operations to prevent illegal sand and stone extraction in and around the Dholai Bridge since assuming charge, according to police sources.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Companiganj Thana, Ratan Sheikh, said that the operations against illegal sand and stone extraction will continue.
