Stone workers protest in Sylhet, block 2 advisers convoy

Stone workers in Jaflong, Sylhet staged a protest on Saturday (June 14) by blocking the convoy of two advisers from the interim government following their announcement to permanently shut down stone quarries in the region.

Forest and Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan faced the protest around 11:45am after visiting the Jaflong Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) in Gowainghat upazila. The advisers, during a media briefing, stated that no new stone quarries would be allowed to operate in Sylhet and promised alternative employment options for the affected workers.

The announcement sparked immediate outrage among local stone workers, who blocked the advisors’ convoy in protest. Police intervened to safely escort the advisers from the scene.

Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan had earlier told reporters that illegal stone extraction is severely damaging the environment of Jaflong. He added that authorities plan to disconnect power supplies to all unauthorized stone crushing units in the area.

Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan reinforced the government's position, stating that the region’s natural environment must be preserved and that the government intends to develop Jaflong as a major tourist destination. She assured that measures would be taken to provide alternative livelihoods for stone workers affected by the closure.