United News of Bangladesh

For many visitors, a trip to Jaflong in Sylhet is about more than its rolling hills, crystal-clear streams and breathtaking views along the Bangladesh-India border. It is also an opportunity to browse bustling roadside markets packed with Indian blankets, chocolates, spices, cosmetics, and other products widely believed to have entered the country through smuggling routes. These illegal goods are displayed and sold openly in shops across the tourist destination. Law enforcement agencies, including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), are also a familiar presence in the area. Yet many tourists say their shopping experience takes an unexpected turn once they begin the journey home. Visitors allege that products purchased openly from local shops are often seized at police checkpoints on the road, as they are being labelled as illegal. The situation has left many wondering why goods that can be bought so easily in the market are later treated as prohibited. Every day, people from different parts of the country visit Jaflong to enjoy its natural beauty. Most shops in Jaflong Bazaar sell Indian products widely believed to have entered the country through smuggling routes, and tourists buy them without hesitation. Meanwhile, police regularly operate checkpoints at different locations on the Sylhet-Tamabil highway, where such goods are confiscated on the grounds that they entered the country without legal customs clearance. Tourists argue that if these products are illegal, action should first be taken against those selling them openly in the market. Instead, they say buyers who purchased the goods in good faith face questioning, confiscation and inconvenience on their return journey. The issue has created growing frustration among visitors, who say they often buy products with receipts from local shops but still encounter complications on the road. According to multiple sources, Indian goods are regularly seized in different border areas as part of ongoing drives by law enforcement agencies to prevent the illegal entry of foreign products into the country. People concerned with the region's tourism sector believe the current situation is damaging Jaflong's reputation as a tourist destination. They say the authorities should adopt a clear and consistent policy. If such illegal products are allowed to be sold in the markets, tourists should not face harassment after buying them. If the goods are illegal, they argue, enforcement should focus on the supply and sales network rather than on visitors. Inspector (Investigation) of Jaintapur Model Police Station Usman Gani said bringing foreign goods into Bangladesh, transporting them or marketing them without paying the required customs duties and taxes is a punishable offence. He said they regularly conduct operations on the Sylhet-Tamabil highway to prevent smuggling and seize illegally imported goods entering through the border. Jaflong Tourist Police in-charge Tapan Talukder said the tourist police does not have the authority to seize illegal goods. "Although we are deployed in the tourist area, our main responsibility is to maintain law and order, ensure the overall security of tourists, prevent theft and robbery, and provide necessary assistance for visitors," he said. Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ratan Kumer Adhikari said businesses must comply with government regulations to operate legally, something many traders in the Jaflong tourist area are not doing. "For this reason, we conduct drives from time to time and take legal action against those involved, including seizing Indian goods," he said.  

Authorities have recovered another 45,000 cubic feet of stones looted from Shada Pathar.The recovery took place on Friday during raids across different areas of Companyganj upazila. The District Administration’s media cell confirmed the operation and said that nearly 100,800 cubic feet of stones have been recovered over the past two days. About half of the retrieved stones have already been returned to Shada Pathar, while the rest are in the process of being restored. Md. Masud Rana, Assistant Commissioner (Confidential Branch, Media Cell) of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, said around 45,000 cubic feet of stones were recovered on Friday alone. “From Wednesday midnight to Friday afternoon, a total of nearly 100,000 cubic feet of stones were seized. The recovered stones are being gradually returned to Shada Pathar,” he added. UP chairman held over stone theft from Sada Pathor in Sylhet Authorities discovered that stone traders had been hiding the looted stones using inventive methods. Acting on information, the administration conducted a raid in Kalabari, where a large quantity of stones buried under the soil was seized. Seven truckloads of stones have already been returned to Shada Phatar, with an additional estimated 5,000 cubic feet scheduled for restoration on Saturday. Meanwhile, a joint operation by the upazila administration and law enforcement was launched to recover stones stolen from Zero Point in Jaflong, Goainhat upazila. Over two days, officers recovered 8,500 cubic feet of looted stones from various sites along the Piyain River by Friday evening. The stones were returned to the river using boats at Zero Point. Goainhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ratan Kumar Adhikari said, “Some miscreants attempted to remove stones from Jaflong Zero Point during the night amid rain. We took immediate action. Continuous police and BGB patrols are in place, and further operations will continue in the coming days.” Senior officials from the administration, police, and BGB took part in the operation. No arrests have been made so far in connection with the theft.

Sylhet, June 11 (UNB) – A 15-year-old boy drowned in Piyain river of Jaflong area in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Mahi, son of Jamil Ahmed of Bayezid area of Chattogram district. Quoting local people, Sarkar Mohammad Tofayel Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Gowainghat Police Station, said local people rescued Mahi in an unconscious condition from Zero point area at around 2 pm. Later, he was taken to a local hospital where the doctors declared him dead. Mahi along with his friend came here to visit the place and went missing after he went to the river to take a bath.  

Illegal stone extraction using dredging machines continues unabated in Jaflong, a designated ecologically critical area (ECA) in Gowainghat upazila, causing severe environmental degradation. Despite repeated warnings from environmentalists, authorities remain largely inactive, locals allege. Powerful groups are said to be extracting stones overnight from the banks of the Dawki River in Jumpara and West Lakherpar, in blatant violation of environmental regulations. Local residents claim the inaction of the local administration has emboldened these groups, leading to the destruction of farmlands, homes, businesses, and even religious sites, including the historic Sri Sri Balibari Temple. "Every night, influential figures use dredging machines to extract stones, triggering soil erosion and endangering the entire area. The authorities seem indifferent to this unfolding disaster," a local resident told UNB. Ecological Devastation Looms Environmentalists warn that unchecked stone extraction could trigger landslides and disrupt the region’s fragile ecological balance. Illegal sand extraction: 6 trucks, excavator seized in Jashore; operator fined Tk 1 lakh They also highlight the devastating impact on aquatic life due to the deafening noise from dredging machines and relentless excavation. Authorities Pledge Crackdown Responding to mounting concerns, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ratan Kumar Adhikari assured that a crackdown on illegal extraction would be launched soon. Meanwhile, Sylhet’s Deputy Commissioner Sher Mohammad Mahbub Murad said that legal measures would be taken to protect natural resources and bring perpetrators to justice. Butvlocal people remain sceptical, saying past drives only targeted labourers while the true masterminds behind the illegal trade remained untouched. Nine arrested, three dredgers seized in Chandpur for illegal sand extraction "We need action against the masterminds behind this illegal trade, not just harassment of poor workers," said a local activist. A Global Crisis The environmental risks associated with uncontrolled stone and sand extraction are not limited to Jaflong. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), excessive sand mining from rivers and marine ecosystems can lead to erosion, salinisation of aquifers, loss of protection against storm surges, and severe impacts on biodiversity. These consequences pose significant threats to livelihoods, including water supply, food production, fisheries, and tourism industries. 26 dredging machines seized for illegal sand extraction from Feni River Sand is the second-most exploited natural resource in the world after water. Over the past two decades, global sand mining has tripled, with demand reaching 50 billion tonnes annually in 2019, according to UNEP. Urgent Action Needed Locals urge the authorities to take effective and immediate measures to end illegal stone extraction and protect Jaflong’s fragile environment before irreversible damage occurs.

Sylhet, Bangladesh is a region endowed with mesmerizing natural beauty. Lush green hills, expansive tea gardens, and meandering rivers create an irresistible canvas of diversity. This Jaflong travel guide is going to highlight the spellbinding charm of this traveler’s paradise. Origin of the Name Jaflong The name Jaflong is steeped in the history of the Khasi people. The term "Jaflong," with its connotation of a “haat (market) of pleasure”, finds its roots in the Khasi culture. Geographical Location of Jaflong Jaflong is nestled at the foothills of the Khasi-Jaintia Hills, approximately 62 km to the northeast of Sylhet. These majestic mountains serve as a natural border, separating Bangladesh from India along the Meghalaya border. The surrounding region falls within the Piyain River basin in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet district. It's through Jaflong that the Dawki River enters Bangladesh from the hills located in India. Read more: Tinap Saitar Waterfall Travel Guide: Visit a pristine natural fountain in Bandarban Best Time to Visit Jaflong Jaflong's charm undergoes a captivating transformation with each season. However, it is during the rainy season that the destination is in its full glory. Those who desire to experience the beauty of this water kingdom must visit during the rainy season. The period from June to October is the recommended period for the visit. During this time, the greenery of the mountains flourishes and becomes even more captivating, extending into November. What to See on the Jaflong Trip Standing knee-deep in the Piyain River and gazing upward at the verdant hills cloaked in clouds is a truly unparalleled experience. The suspension bridge is a relic from the British colonial era. Additionally, the winding course of Dawki River, a Piyain River tributary, beckons tourists with its majestic allure.  Read more: 8 Best Winter Travel destinations in Bangladesh The Khasia village, located just beyond the Piyain River, features unique hillside dwellings that pique the interest of thousands of tourists.  Jaflong hosts a Baishakhi fair on the first day of the Bangla New Year. Even if the occasion is the same, the banks of the river with rapid currents, surrounded by mountains, look very different compared to the crowded atmosphere of Dhaka.

Gowainghat upazila administration of Sylhet has earned Tk 40 lakh in seven months just from the entry fee at the popular and natural beautiful tourist spot of Jaflong.  There was no entry fee at Jaflong before September 2021. District administration then fixed it at Tk 10 for each tourist to enter the popular hangout.   However, people of various sections had been criticizing the ticketing system at the tourist spot. This issue came into discussion on Thursday after an attack on some tourists by the volunteers who worked for the authority.  The local administration recruited some workers on temporary basis to collect entry fees from the tourists.  Also Read: Volunteers assault tourists in Sylhet, 5 held While commenting on the entry fee at Jaflong, Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Tahmilur Rahman said, “The decision of entry fee has been made by the district administration at a meeting of district tourism committee last year. Upazila administration is only implementing the decision. We don’t lease it to anyone. Upazila administration collects entry fees from tourists through some contracted workers.”   Around 15 workers work here on average daily for Tk 50 per hour as remuneration, he added.  About the ones who attacked the tourists, Tahmilur Rahman said they are not volunteers. They are workers. Upazila administration has provided aprons to identify them from others.  He also claimed that the district administration has imposed the entry fee to increase tourists at Jaflong and Tk 40 lakh has been deposited so far in the administration’s bank account.    On Thursday, volunteers appointed by the Gowainghat administration allegedly assaulted a group of tourists, including women and children, at the Jaflong tourist spot.   The volunteers attacked tourists with sticks following an altercation over buying tickets from the toll counter at Jaflong around 2pm.  The video of the incident has gone viral on social media. It shows some men wearing blue volunteer uniforms assaulting a group of tourists with sticks. Some women, from the same group of tourists, also came under attack as they tried to stop the violence. Five people, including two volunteers, have been detained in this regard.  The detainees are Laxman Chandra Das, Selim Ahmed, Sohel Rana, Nazim Uddin, and Joynal Abedin. They have been sent to the court on Friday.   Meanwhile, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Mozibor Rahman, said tourists will not have to pay any fee for the next seven days to visit Jaflong.    

Tourists will not have to pay any fee for the next seven days to visit Sylhet's popular hangout Jaflong. Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Mozibor Rahman said this Thursday evening after some volunteers working for the administration assaulted tourists who visited the spot in Gowainghat at 2pm. The incident occurred in front of the ticket counter at the tourist spot. "As the group of tourists wanted to enter Jaflong without tickets, they got into an argument with the volunteers at the counter. At one point, some volunteers attacked the tourists with sticks," said Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Tahlimur Rahman. "This incident will hurt our tourism and as the assaulters were employed by us, I take responsibility for this. Three of them have already been sacked and I asked the police to take legal action against them." The video of the incident has gone viral on social media. It shows some men wearing blue volunteer uniforms assaulting a group of tourists with sticks. Some women, from the same group of tourists, also came under attack as they had tried to stop the violence. "We have detained five people, including two volunteers, who were involved in the incident. Legal action will be taken against them. Additional police forces have been deployed at the tourist spot," said Sylhet Superintendent of Police Mohammad Farid Uddin. Also read: Volunteers assault tourists in Sylhet, 5 held

Volunteers appointed by the Gowainghat administration allegedly assaulted a group of tourists, including women and children, at the Jaflong tourist spot in Sylhet on Thursday. The volunteers attacked tourists with sticks following an altercation over buying tickets from the toll counter at Jaflong at 2pm, said Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Tahmilur Rahman. "We have already dismissed three volunteers," he said. Sylhet Superintendent of Police Mohammad Farid Uddin said, "We have detained five people, including two volunteers, in this regard. Legal actions will be taken against them." The detainees are Laxman Chandra Das, Selim Ahmed, Sohel Rana, Nazim Uddin, and Joynal Abedin. Also read: No fee required for next 7 days to enter Jaflong

Three minor boys, who went missing from Sylhet's Dakshin Surma two days ago, were rescued from the district's Gowainghat Saturday. Some locals handed them over to police after finding them at Jaflong Zero Point, said Dakshin Surma Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Monirul Islam. The children are 13-year-old twin brothers Hassan and Hossain, and Apu, 10, from Dakshin Surma's village Ahmedpur. Also read: Remains of missing boy found in Chattogram shrine pond All three are madrasa students. Hassan and Hossain's cousin Salah Uddin said the trio left the house around 6am Thursday and did not return. After failing to trace them, he filed a general diary with Dakshin Surma police station the same day. Also read: Missing man’s body fished out of Meghna

The Bangladesh Bureau Of Mineral Development (BMD) plans to set up the country's first 'geological museum' at Jaflong in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet to stop stone extraction in the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA).