Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
SYLHET, Aug 18: The 17-kilometre ropeway, built in 1964 to transport stones from Bholaganj in Companiganj upazila to Chhatak for Bangladesh Railway (BR), has turned into a hotspot of illegal stone extraction, looting, and land grabbing.
The country's only ropeway, once fitted with 119 towers, remained operational until 2009, carrying stones to the discharge point in Chhatak town from the Bholaganj landing station. Locals still refer to the ropeway's stone landing site as the "bunker".
Despite repeated deployment of Railway Nirapotta Bahini (RNB) personnel, the lands could not be protected from miscreants. Over the years, large-scale stone looting and unauthorised extraction have left the ropeway towers at risk of collapse, as even the foothills around the towers have been dug out.
A field visit reveals that what were once reserved railway lands near the Sadapathar tourist spot and the Dholai River now bear huge ditches from indiscriminate extraction.
Locals allege that the stone extraction began in earnest after the Awami League (AL) assumed power in 2009, with several party leaders, including Companiganj upazila chairman and AL secretary Aftab Ali, and organising secretary Shamim Ahmed, exercising control over the sites until August last year.
Even former lawmaker and expatriate welfare minister Imran Ahmed was said to have had an influential role.
On August 5 last year, RNB members deployed at the site were reportedly attacked and beaten by miscreants. Their belongings were looted, and the forces were eventually withdrawn.
In the aftermath, large quantities of stockpiled stones were looted, trees were felled, and even items from a mosque, including its microphone, battery and fan, were taken away.
Control over the lands later shifted to BNP activists, led by Companiganj upazila BNP president Shahab Uddin. However, amid mounting allegations, the BNP's central leadership suspended Shahab Uddin's party posts recently.
Railway lands at the ropeway site have been guarded by Ansar personnel since 2000. Following allegations of their involvement in illegal extraction, responsibility was handed over to the RNB in 2012.
forsylhet@gmail.com