The unfolding tragedy at Sada Pathor, a once-enchanting natural wonder along the Companyganj border, underscores a deeper crisis facing Bangladesh: the unchecked plunder of its natural resources under the shadow of administrative apathy and political complicity.
Sada Pathor, nestled in Bholaganj, Sylhet, has long been a symbol of natural beauty, drawing tourists with its pristine white stones and serene river landscape. Today, however, it lies stripped and scarred—its soul eroded by greed and inaction.
Environmental activists estimate that in just one year, over 15 million cubic feet of stones, worth more than Tk 200 crore, have been looted from the area.
This mass-scale theft has not only devastated the landscape but also exposed a glaring failure in governance.
The involvement of local political leaders and influential figures, allegedly shielding the perpetrators, points to a systemic breakdown.
The Anti-Corruption Commission’s recent inspection and findings—suggesting complicity from business elites and officials—only reinforce what locals have been saying for months: the looting happened in plain sight, with little to no resistance from those entrusted to protect public resources.
While recent actions—raids, seizures, power cuts to illegal crushing machines, and High Court directives—are commendable, they arrive far too late.
The damage to the environment, the erosion of public trust, and the emboldening of criminal networks cannot be undone overnight. Temporary crackdowns are not enough. What is needed is a sustained, multi-agency effort to restore ecological balance and bring all culprits to justice—regardless of political affiliation.
Equally concerning is the politicisation of stone extraction. Various parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have attempted to justify or even support illegal operations under the guise of employment or economic necessity. Such rhetoric not only undermines environmental protection but dangerously conflates livelihood with lawlessness.
The High Court’s order to recover stolen stones, identify looters, and consider designating Sada Pathor as an Ecologically Critical Area is a vital step. But true progress demands accountability at every level — from local administrators to political enablers.
If the government is serious about sustainable development and environmental preservation, it must draw a clear line. Sada Pathor must not become another casualty of greed. We must have the choice between short-term profit and long-term preservation.
