Sylhet Bureau :
Stone and sand workers in Sylhet’s Jaflong blocked the motorcade of two advisors to the interim government on Saturday, staging a sudden protest as the officials were returning from a site visit.
The incident occurred around 11:45 AM near the environmentally critical area (ECA) of Jaflong in the Goainghat under Sylhet district.
The advisers, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, were reportedly leaving the area after their visit when the workers intercepted their vehicles.
Videos circulating on social media show the workers chanting slogans and calling the officials “frauds” as they surrounded the motorcade.
Police quickly intervened, dispersing the protestors and clearing the road to allow the advisors to proceed to their next destination at Haripur Guest House.
Goainghat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sarkar Mohammad Tofayel Ahmed confirmed the incident, stating that the blockade was sudden and handled promptly by law enforcement. “The advisors safely reached Haripur Guest House by around 12:30 PM,” he said.
Goainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ratan Kumar Adhikari mentioned that the officials had already left the area well before noon.
Earlier in the day, during an interaction with journalists, Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting ecologically sensitive zones.
She stated, “We will no longer allow stone extraction from areas in Sylhet known for their unique natural beauty. Jaflong is an environmentally critical area. For those who rely on stone collection here, we have already discussed with the Ministry of Tourism to explore alternative employment opportunities focused on eco-friendly tourism.”
The protest appears to reflect growing tensions among local workers who fear losing their livelihoods due to restrictions on stone extraction in the region.
Barrister Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that no more stone quarry leases will be given in Sylhet to create a tourist-friendly environment. Alternative employment for workers must be created through tourism.
Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, said, “This area has been destroyed by illegal sand and stone extraction. For now, stone extraction from this area will not be allowed. Secondly, the crusher machines that are here will have to be removed. For this, electricity will be disconnected. If these tourist centers in Sylhet are developed, more money will come to Sylhet than the money that comes from London.”
