DC Orders Voluntary Return of Looted Stones from Sylhet’s Bholaganj

The Sylhet district administration has directed that all looted stones from Bholaganj must be voluntarily returned by Monday evening, August 25, at the owners’ own expense. Any stones found in possession after this deadline will lead to strict legal action.

District Commissioner Sarwar Alam confirmed the directive to reporters on Saturday evening, August 23.

Local representatives from Companiganj and Sylhet Sadar Upazilas have been tasked with ensuring maximum cooperation in the recovery and replacement of the stones. According to the DC, some stones are still being hidden in these areas, prompting discussions with local representatives and business owners to address the issue.

Three key decisions were made during the meetings, including:

All individuals still holding stones must deliver them to the Bholaganj area by 5 PM on Monday at their own initiative and expense.

Local representatives are responsible for overseeing the collection in their respective areas, as they act as government representatives.

Public announcements have been made in the two upazilas via loudspeakers, warning that strict legal action will follow for anyone retaining stones past the deadline. Additionally, representatives from areas where stones are found after the deadline will also face consequences.

DC Sarwar Alam added that alongside the recovery process, efforts to bring the main perpetrators of the looting to justice are ongoing.