Photo : PID

SYLHET, Feb28, 2026 (BSS)- Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury today  warned that from now on  illegal sand and stone extraction will no more be allowed. 

“No illegal sand quarry will be allowed to operate and no stone extraction from quarry will be tolerated from now on. Anyone found engaged in such activities will be handed over to the police,” the minister said.

He made these remarks at a consultation meeting with officials from various government departments, local leaders, prominent citizens, journalists, and civil society representatives, held at the Gowainghat Upazila Parishad Hall Room in Sylhet yesterday.

The minister also expressed his firm determination to fulfil all the promises he made to the people earlier.
Speaking on the development of Gowainghat, he said improvement works on various roads in the area will commence by March. 

“The newly constructed 50-bed Upazila hospital will be made operational at the earliest possible and as such regular attendance of doctors to be ensured,” he said.

Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ratan Kumar Adhikary presided over the meeting and Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam along with officials from various government departments and political leaders were present, among others.