district correspondent
Shamit Shome, a Canadian footballer of Bangladeshi origin, is a neighbor of English professional footballer Hamza Choudhury, who also has Bangladeshi roots. Both hail from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Hamza’s ancestral home is in Bahubal of Habiganj, while Shamit’s family is from Dakshin Uttar Sur village in Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar. The two villages are just 40 minutes apart, and the upazilas are adjacent.
The continuous looting of stones by BNP and its affiliated organizations has put four major stone quarries and a hill in Sylhet at serious risk. According to locals and environmentalists, the unrelenting destruction by illegal stone extraction using powerful machines is devastating these natural reserves.
As the much-awaited Eid-ul-Fitr holidays approach, Sylhet is set to become the ultimate holiday destination, with hotel bookings already reaching impressive numbers. With around 70% of cottages in popular tourist spots and nearly 50% of hotel, motel, and resort rooms already reserved, the region is bracing for an influx of visitors seeking to enjoy a well-deserved break after a month of fasting.
Five border markets (border haats) have been closed in Sylhet and Sunamganj for seven months. These border haats have been closed since the political change on August 5. As a result, there has been disappointment among local traders as poverty and deprivation became a daily companion to them. Of these five haats, one is in Sylhet district and the remaining four are in Sunamganj district. The process of launching a total of three border haats in Sylhet district began in 2023. Of these, a decision was taken to launch one in Bholaganj of Companiganj upazila, one in the Sanatanpunji area of Kanaighat upazila, and another in Muria of Beanibazar. In the meantime, the first border market in the district was launched in Bholaganj of Companiganj upazila on May 6, 2023. The remaining two are still stuck in acquisition complications.
Three incidents in just two days have sparked intense discussions, unsettling the once-peaceful Sylhet. The law and order situation, as well as the general environment, are now under scrutiny, leaving many concerned and anxious.
With only 25 days left until Paush Sankranti, potters in the Sylhet region are passing hectic days crafting different clay products including ornaments targeting the upcoming festival.