Sadapathor in Bholaganj, under Sylhet’s Companiganj upazila, is one of Bangladesh’s best-known natural tourist destinations. Visitors come here every day, drawn by its white stones, clear water, and the hills that surround the area. But the familiar landscape of Sadapathor is gradually changing, with the number of stones declining in several parts of the tourist spot.
In 2025, the removal of stones under the cover of darkness sparked widespread concern. Stones recovered during a joint forces operation were later returned to the site, restoring some of its natural appearance. Now, however, stones are once again disappearing, this time from the eastern side of Sadapathor.
Locals allege that a group is removing stones from the area at night, taking advantage of the absence of tourists and monitoring. They fear that continued removal could damage Sadapathor’s natural beauty and disrupt its ecological balance.
A visit to the area found that the number of large stones has declined in several parts of the eastern side compared with the past. In some places, areas once covered with stones now lie largely empty.
The reduction in stones has also affected the natural flow of water. Changes in the arrangement of stones along the riverbed have altered the direction and pattern of water flow in some areas.
According to local residents, large stones were once scattered across areas that are now bare. They said the removal of stones is not only diminishing the tourist attraction’s scenic beauty but also gradually changing its natural character.
Local residents have called for stronger monitoring and regular drives to stop the illegal extraction and removal of stones from Sadapathor. They have also urged the authorities to take long-term measures to protect the natural resources and preserve the area’s ecological and tourism value.
The repeated theft of stones from one of the country’s most cherished natural landmarks raises uncomfortable questions. In 2025, a joint forces operation recovered stolen stones and returned them to the site, yet within a year, illegal extraction has resumed. For the people of Companiganj, the pattern is painfully familiar: brief enforcement, followed by renewed plunder under the cover of darkness.
Without sustained vigilance, stronger penalties, and a genuine commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s natural heritage, Sadapathor risks losing not just its stones, but its identity. For a destination that draws visitors from across the country, the stakes could not be higher.
