Sylhet, July 21 (V7N) - A stone laborer was killed on Saturday night in a tragic sand collapse at the protected ropeway (bunker) zone of Bholaganj in Sylhet’s Companiganj upazila. The deceased, identified as Habibur Rahman, 35, died around 8:30 PM while extracting stones in the restricted area.
 
Habibur was a resident of the Ahmadabad (Kalibari) area under East Islampur Union and the son of the late Asad Miah. He was the father of four children—two sons and two daughters.
 
Eyewitnesses reported that since the August 5 public uprising last year, stone extraction from Bholaganj's government-designated bunker zone has resumed without oversight, leading to significant environmental degradation and collapse risks. Despite a brief suspension, unregulated stone lifting activities reportedly resumed last Wednesday.
 
According to workers present at the site, Habibur was engaged in stone lifting when a large amount of loose sand suddenly collapsed on him, burying him partially. His colleagues quickly retrieved him and transported him to the Companiganj Upazila Health Complex, where on-duty doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
 
However, an alternate version of the incident was presented by Habibur’s family. Companiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Uzair Al Mahmud Adnan stated, “After receiving news of the death, we visited the home and conducted an inquest. The body has been sent to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital for autopsy. According to the victim’s brother, Habibur suffered from epilepsy and may have drowned in the Dhalai River due to a seizure. We are currently investigating all aspects of the case.”
 
The death highlights the growing safety concerns in Bholaganj, where unauthorized stone mining continues to pose serious risks to workers. Locals have urged authorities to enforce regulations and secure the restricted ropeway zone to prevent further tragedies.
 
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