Sylhet, August 14, 2025 – Alamgir Hossain, the chairman of East Islampur Union Parishad in Companiganj Upazila, Sylhet, has been detained by law enforcement authorities for his alleged involvement in the large-scale looting of white stones from the Sada Pathor area over the past year.
The detention occurred during a joint forces operation launched early Thursday to recover the stolen stones and apprehend those responsible. Approximately 12,000 square feet of white stones have been recovered and returned to the Dholai River, where Sada Pathor, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic white stones and crystal-clear waters, is located.
On Wednesday, the Sylhet district team of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) alleged that administrative inaction enabled the widespread looting. Locals claim that influential businessmen, political figures, and other powerful individuals collaborated to exploit the site following the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024. The regime had imposed a ban on stone and sand extraction at Sada Pathor in February 2020 to preserve the ecologically sensitive area.
Residents further allege that local authorities and government agencies ignored the illegal activities, allowing the looting to persist over the past four months. This has left the mineral-rich tourist spot nearly depleted, threatening its natural beauty and ecological balance.[](https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/iconic-sada-pathor-reduced-dystopian-wasteland-rampant-stone-extraction-1210956)[](https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/stone-looting-frenzy-sylhet-threatens-top-tourist-spots-1000106)
Note For Readers:
The CEO handles all legal and staff issues. Claiming human help before the first hearing isn't part of our rules.
Our system uses humans and AI, including freelance journalists, editors, and reporters.
The CEO can confirm if your issue involves a person or AI.
by 
