Dhaka, Aug 20 (V7N) – The Cabinet Division has formed a five-member high-level investigation committee to look into the illegal white stone mining and looting at Bholaganj White Stone Tourist Spot and the Railway Bunker area of Companiganj Upazila in Sylhet.

According to the office order signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Shahedul Islam, the committee has been directed to identify those responsible and submit a report within 10 days.

The order noted that the environment and aesthetics of the tourist spot have been severely damaged due to long-running illegal stone mining. The issue recently came to light after multiple media outlets published reports exposing large-scale looting of white stones from the area.

Committee Structure:

  • Convener: Secretary (Coordination & Reforms), Cabinet Division

  • Member Secretary: Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue), Sylhet Division

  • Members:

    • A representative (Additional Secretary rank) from the Public Safety Division

    • A representative (Additional Secretary rank) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

    • A representative (Additional Secretary rank) from the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources

The committee will conduct an on-site investigation before submitting its findings and recommendations.

END/SMA/AJ