The Companiganj upazila administration has imposed a ban on all vessels except tourist boats in the Sada Pathor area of Sylhet, aiming to curb illegal sand and stone extraction in the tourist destination.
According to a directive issued on Friday, only boats carrying tourists will be permitted to operate in the stretch between 500 meters downstream of the Dholai Bridge and the Sada Pathor tourist spot. All other vessels are now prohibited in the area.
Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Robin Miah confirmed the restriction, noting that public announcements were made via loudspeakers from Friday afternoon.
The decision comes amid increased efforts to tackle unauthorised extraction of natural resources. In a recent operation conducted by a joint task force early Saturday morning, two individuals were arrested for illegally extracting sand near the Dholai Bridge.
The two individuals, identified as Shafiq Ahmed, 40, and Mohammad Kuddus, 30, both residents of Dakghor village, were caught during the raid conducted between 1:30am and 3:30am.
They allegedly claimed ownership of land adjacent to the bridge and were found conducting illegal extraction activities.
Following their arrest, a mobile court sentenced both men to one year in prison.
UNO Robin Miah emphasised that legal actions are being taken against anyone involved in illegal sand and stone extraction in the area.
