S A Shofiee, Sylhet:
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has released the names of 52 individuals and organizations in the Sadapathar case, which is being discussed across the country. Various discussions and criticisms are going on in Sylhet as the names of some administration officials and political leaders have been mentioned in the stone looting incident. There has been unrest in the political arena, especially the allegations of looting against high-ranking leaders, which have created mixed reactions in the public, and a commotion has started in the political arena of Sylhet.
The ACC report says that 50 individuals and two organizations are involved in the incident.
The list includes the names of government departments, four Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), law enforcement agencies and leaders of various political parties. 42 people have been directly identified.
The list includes the names of a maximum of 20 BNP leaders, 7 Awami League leaders and two leaders each from Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP.
However, after the names appeared on the list, the leaders of BNP, Jamaat and NCP denied responsibility.
They held a press conference and viewed the matter as a media trial and also called it an attempt to pin the blame on the media.
Deputy Director of the ACC Sylhet Integrated Office Rafi Md. Nazmus Sadat said that the list of 52 individuals and organizations has been sent to the central office. The next investigation will begin if the commission gives its order.
Political analysts believe that this list can have a major impact on the political situation in Sylhet. Although some claims are politically motivated, it should be seen as part of a transparent investigation process.
ACC Director General and Spokesperson Md. Akhter Hossain said, ‘A report has been submitted. Since the report found the truth of stone theft, an investigation has been recommended, which has been presented for the commission’s decision.’
Meanwhile, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhlesur Rahman visited the white stone on Friday morning.
Talking to reporters after the inspection, he said, “There was a terrible looting in Sadaphathar next to the BGB camp. The BGB cannot avoid responsibility in such an incident.”
He also said, “It was not just looting here, it was a robbery. No one can avoid responsibility in this incident. The law is equal for everyone, now is not the time to identify the culprit.”
Upon reaching Sadaphathar area, he toured the entire area with senior officials of the Ministry of Public Administration. At that time, he expressed strong anger when he saw signs of looting. He said that such a terrible looting in an international standard tourist center like Sadaphathar has tarnished the image of the country. Immediate steps will be taken to restore a safe and attractive environment for tourists.
He directed that Sadaphathar tourist spot be brought under 24-hour CCTV cameras. He also directed the concerned authorities to strengthen permanent surveillance to prevent illegal mining.
He said, no matter which party’s influential person or how big the administration official is involved in this incident, no one will be spared. Everyone will be brought under the law.
At that time, Secretary of the Mineral Resources Department Saiful Islam, Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza Un Nabi, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam and senior officials of the Ministry of Public Administration and local administration were present.
Earlier, the Cabinet Division formed a five-member high-level investigation committee into the stone looting incident at the Sadapathar tourist center in Companiganj, Sylhet. The committee has been instructed to identify the responsible persons and submit a report within the next 10 days. As part of that, they came to inspect the field.
