Looters ravage Sylhet’s Rangpani tourist site despite raids

Despite ongoing drives by the administration to curb illegal stone extraction from Sylhet’s popular tourist spots, such as Sadapathar and Jaflong, rampant looting continues unabated at Rangpani in Jaintapur upazila.

The River Rangpani, renowned for its scenic blend of rocks, gravel, and crystal-clear waters, is being stripped of its natural resources in broad daylight. Locals allege that illegal extraction has turned the once-picturesque tourist destination in the Sreepur border area into a hub of exploitation, carried out under the protection of powerful quarters.

Residents claimed that stones are being looted day and night with the direct involvement of local politicians, unscrupulous traders, and corrupt elements within law enforcement. They further alleged that the plunder has intensified since August 5 last year, reportedly with the backing of political leaders. Despite repeated complaints, no decisive action has been taken.

During a recent visit, a local journalist Ruman Ahmed observed eight to ten barque boats transporting stones from Rangpani. “They dig deep into the hills and riverbeds to extract stones, break them into pieces with hammers, and load them onto boats,” he said. “Workers remain vigilant, and anyone attempting to take photos or videos is immediately threatened or attacked.”

Environmentalists have also voiced alarm. Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Sylhet unit general secretary Kasmir Reza said, “If the administration had acted firmly, such widespread looting would not have been possible. In some cases, even accused individuals are being included in probe committees. Without strict measures, this destruction will continue.”

Locals alleged that the illegal extraction is now carried out under the influence of certain BNP, Jubo Dal and Jamaat leaders, while earlier it was overseen by Awami League leaders. Workers are reportedly forced to pay Tk800 per boat trip and Tk3,000 per truck in the name of administrative authorities. Each barque boat, with a capacity of 60–80 cubic feet, makes several trips a day. The stones are stockpiled near Rangpani Captain Rashid School and College before being transported to other districts.

Confirming the situation, Jaintapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) George Mitra Chakma said, “Many are exploiting the situation in the name of the administration. We have conducted several raids and will continue operations.”

On Monday, a task force seized 35 trucks of sand and 9,500 cubic feet of stones during an anti-looting drive. The following day, another operation led by Jaintapur Assistant Commissioner (Land) Farzana Akhter Laboni seized 28,000 cubic feet of sand and 20,000 cubic feet of stones. “The seized stones will be restored to the river,” she said, stressing that public awareness and community involvement are crucial to ending illegal extraction.

Rangpani, fed by waters cascading from Meghalaya’s Krang Suri waterfalls, has been a popular tourist attraction since the 1980s. Once a famous filming spot, it continues to draw visitors with its natural charm. Locals, however, fear its beauty will vanish forever if strict enforcement is not ensured.

Meanwhile, police have recovered around 50,000 cubic feet of looted stones from Sada Pathor in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet during fresh drives on Monday, taking the total recovery to nearly 500,000 cft since the large-scale plundering that triggered widespread criticism across the country.

So far, 14 people have been arrested in connection with cases filed by the Department of Mines and Minerals. Amid the nationwide outcry over the looting, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sher Mahbub Murad was removed from his post on Monday. Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Azizunnahar was also transferred.