Joint forces carried out overnight raids across multiple areas in Sylhet on Thursday to recover large quantities of looted white stones from Bholaganj, stopping and inspecting hundreds of stone-laden trucks.
The district administration initiated the operation amid nationwide criticism over the unprecedented theft of stones from the Bholaganj tourist spot. Authorities announced plans to return stolen stones to their original sites and deploy joint forces round the clock to safeguard the area.
Law enforcement sources said checkpoints were set up at the entrance of Bholaganj road until early Thursday morning, with more than 100 trucks searched. Similar operations took place overnight in Jaflong, Gowainghat, and Companiganj. Drivers and workers were questioned, and import documents were verified before allowing trucks with valid papers to proceed.
Executive Magistrate Sarkar Mamunur Rashid said 150 to 200 trucks had been inspected, warning that any found to be carrying illegally sourced stones would be confiscated. Some drivers, however, alleged harassment despite having proper documents and called for action against illegal crusher mills instead.
A joint forces officer said all stone-laden trucks heading towards the city were being stopped and verified under the magistrate’s supervision.
On Wednesday evening, a meeting at Sylhet Circuit House adopted a five-point action plan, including 24-hour deployment in Bholaganj and Jaflong, permanent police checkpoints in Gowainghat and Companiganj, cutting power to illegal crushing machines, arresting stone theft suspects, and restoring stolen stones to their original location.
Local residents allege that since the political shift on 5 August, hundreds of boats have been smuggling stones daily, eroding the beauty of Bholaganj and threatening the livelihoods of the community.