Rizwana warns tough action against illegal stone extraction
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today briefing reporters at Sylhet Circuit House. Photo: PID
SHYLHET, June 14, 2025 (BSS) – Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser
Syeda Rizwana Hasan today warned that strict legal action would be taken
against those involved in extracting stones illegally.
She mentioned that the police and district administration would carry out
enforcement actions against those involved.
Briefing reporters at Sylhet Circuit House here this afternoon, the adviser
said, “The damage caused by overloaded stone-laden trucks far outweighs the
revenue the government earns from stone quarries.”
She added that only 6 percent of the stones used in the country are sourced
locally.
“We cannot afford to destroy our invaluable natural resources to meet this
minimal demand,” she said.
Earlier in the day, Rizwana held a meeting with officials from the Department
of Environment, Forest Department, Water Development Board, and other
relevant agencies, discussing the protection of Sylhet’s environment, forest
conservation, and river and water resource management.
The adviser stressed the need for collective action to preserve Sylhet’s
unique natural diversity.
She emphasised inter-departmental coordination and regular information
exchange in protecting rivers and wetlands, managing excavated sand, and
conserving hills and hillocks.
Rizwana instructed officials to eliminate single-use plastics in government
offices and called for installing signboards on hills and hillocks that
clearly prohibit cutting.
To mitigate flood risks, she gave directives to the Water Development Board.
The adviser also instructed the Forest Department to replace Acacia
auriculiformis (Akashmoni) trees by planting native species.
Additionally, she urged that electricity supply to illegal stone crushing
machines be disconnected.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan also gave
guidance during the meeting.
Md Saiful Islam, Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Khan
Md Reza-un-Nabi, Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet, Md Sher Mahbub Murad,
Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet, Humayun Kabir, Divisional Forest Officer, and
Ferdous Anwar, Director of the Department of Environment, Sylhet, were
present on the occasion.
Earlier, the two advisers toured various parts of Jaflong by boat and
discussed eco-tourism development plans.
They also participated in a tree-planting program at the Jaflong Stone Museum
and Haripur Rest House, said a press release of the environment ministry.