Local residents staged a dramatic protest in Sylhet’s Jaflong on Saturday, blocking the motorcade of two advisers returning from an inspection of an ecologically sensitive area.
The demonstration erupted in response to the interim government’s decision to permanently ban stone extraction leases in the Jaflong Ecological Critical Area (ECA).
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan encountered hostile crowds at Jaflong Bazar at around 11:45am during their return to Dhaka. Protesters chanted “Fake! Fake!” before escalating their demonstration by lying on the road, physically obstructing their vehicles.
Gowainghat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sarkar Mohammad Tofayel Ahmed confirmed the incident, stating, “Locals abruptly obstructed the motorcade,” though the situation was eventually brought under control without reported injuries.
“Upon receiving information, police rushed in and took action. The advisers were taken to Haripur Guest House safely,” he said.
While speaking to journalists following the visit, Adviser Rizwana said, “No new leases will be issued for stone extraction in Sylhet. Plans are underway to transform Jaflong into a well-designed tourism destination.”
“This region is rich in natural beauty and ecological importance. We’ve spoken to the Ministry of Tourism. We aim to promote eco-friendly tourism here, while ensuring alternative livelihoods for those currently dependent on stone extraction,” she remarked.
Rizwana warned legal action had already been taken against those involved in illegal sand and stone extraction from the Jaflong ECA. “Anyone found engaging in such activities in the future will face strict legal consequences,” she added.
Adviser Fouzul Kabir, who accompanied Rizwana during the visit, said, “Illegal stone extraction is devastating the environment of Jaflong and nearby areas. Power connections to illegal stone crushers in Jaflong will be disconnected.”