White stone scandal: Cabinet committee forms probe body

Sylhet Office :

The environment and natural beauty have been severely damaged by the illegal quarrying of stones in the Bholaganj White Stone Tourism Centre area of Sylhet.

On Wednesday, a high-level investigation committee formed by the Cabinet Division organised a public hearing at the Sylhet Circuit House to examine the situation.

The hearing, chaired by the committee’s convener and Cabinet Secretary (Coordination and Reforms) Zaheda Parvin, was attended by other members of the committee.

In addition to the divisional commissioners, district and upazila administration officials, police administration, representatives of the Department of Environment, environmental organizations, truck transport owners’ association, stone traders’ association, and press club leaders participated in the public hearing and presented their statements.

Earlier on Tuesday, the investigation committee visited the Bholaganj Sadapathar area on site. The committee officially started its work after being formed on August 20.

It is worth noting that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has already submitted an investigation report on the Sadapathar looting incident. The report said that information about inaction and collusion of various government agencies, including the local administration, has been found.

The ACC report mentions the involvement of a total of 53 people, including the divisional commissioner, deputy commissioner (DC), superintendent of police (SP), upazila executive officer (UNO), and other OCs. Of these, 42 are political leaders and businessmen.

On the other hand, the investigation committee formed by the district administration has also submitted a report. It found evidence of the involvement of more than a hundred people, but no names were revealed.