Tensions Erupt in Sylhet Over Seizure of Illegal Stone Trucks

Tensions escalated in the Sreepur area of Sylhet’s Jaintapur upazila on Friday morning after workers clashed with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel over the seizure of four illegally loaded stone trucks. The confrontation led to a two-hour blockade of the Sylhet-Tamabil highway.

According to BGB sources, a patrol team from the 48 BGB Sreepur camp seized the trucks early Friday. As the vehicles were being escorted to the camp, an agitated mob of workers intercepted them in the Guchchagram area, forcibly snatching three trucks and unloading the stones. The BGB managed to retain custody of the fourth truck.

Following the seizure, workers blocked the Sylhet-Tamabil highway at around 9:30 AM. Protesters alleged that BGB members physically assaulted a transport worker and fired a blank shot, which caused panic in the Guchchagram area.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Nazmul Haque, commander of the 48 BGB, confirmed that one blank shotgun round was fired to control the large crowd and ensure the safety of his personnel. He stated that the mob, armed with shovels and other stone-extracting tools, attempted to attack the BGB and obstructed them from performing their official duties. No casualties were reported.

The blockade was lifted at 11:30 AM after Jaintapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sunanda Roy arrived at the scene. Following discussions with transport workers, business owners, and local representatives, she assured them of a fair resolution.

UNO Roy emphasized that the administration expects citizens to cooperate with government work and cannot legalize illicit activities. She urged everyone to refrain from protests that cause public suffering, noting that her office remains open to discuss any reasonable demands.

Following the incident, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Polly Rani Dev conducted a mobile court and fined the sole detained truck Tk 10,000.