Advisers’ Vehicles Blocked by Angry Workers in Jaflong

Staff Reporter

The interim government’s Adviser for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan and Adviser for Climate, Forest, Environment and Water Resources Syeda Rizwana Hasan faced protests from local stone workers during their visit to stone quarries in Jaflong, Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet.

The workers demanded reopening of rivers to restore employment opportunities for thousands of laborers.

During the visit, workers raised their voices against the two advisers, with many chanting slogans against them.

On Saturday morning, the two advisers went to inspect the Piyain River and surrounding stone quarry areas.

After the inspection, while talking to journalists, the two advisers announced that five stone quarries including Jaflong would be permanently closed, and the government would arrange alternative employment for workers.

They suggested promoting tourism as an alternative livelihood option.

Hearing this announcement, hundreds of workers blocked the advisers’ vehicles in protest. They called the advisers “brokers” and “anti-worker.” Later, the administration controlled the situation and rescued the advisers from the protesting workers.

Eyewitnesses reported that local stone workers and related stakeholders blocked the advisers’ convoy in Ballaghat area. They sat on the road in protest and positioned themselves in front of the vehicles while chanting slogans against the advisers.

Local journalists in Gowainghat area said protesters blocked roads chanting “fake fake.” After some time, law enforcement pacified the demonstrators and cleared the way for the advisers’ vehicles.