‘If You Cannot Protect Stones, How Will You Protect Votes?’: Naznin Munni

National attention has turned to the extraction of stones from the Volaganj Sada Pathar area in Sylhet, drawing widespread criticism across Bangladesh. Adding her voice to the debate, journalist Naznin Munni took to Facebook to express her frustration.

In a pointed post seemingly directed at the interim government, Munni wrote:

“If you cannot protect stones, how will you protect votes?”

She continued, reflecting on the loss of the region’s natural beauty:

“I have never visited Volaganj Sada Pathar myself. Seeing everyone’s pictures fills me with regret—such a beautiful place? So stunning? The area has been devoured by some monstrous force. That place will never be the same again. Never… It pains me as much as losing a close relative.”

Criticism of Environmental Oversight

Munni specifically addressed environmental adviser Rizwana Hasan, noting her longstanding dedication to environmental causes:

“Adviser Rizwana Hasan has spent her life working for the environment and has become an adversary of the government on environmental issues. She has faced personal and familial attacks. But did news of stone extraction not reach her over the years, rather than overnight?”

She questioned the apparent ineffectiveness of environmental protection measures:

“How is it possible that no one could intervene for someone whose work and care are for the environment? Was environmental activism only about NGO work? Could anyone remove coral from Saint Martin’s Island over a year? No, they could not. So why has the strict government been so indifferent to Sada Pathar?”

Reflection on Power and Accountability

Munni also reflected on the role of local political leaders in the exploitation of natural resources:

“If a district committee president of any party becomes powerful by seeking government favour, and the adviser speaks out again—shame should fall on us. I wonder whether Adviser Rizwana Hasan feels hurt by this. Or is it that once seated in power, everyone becomes blind, deaf, complicit, opportunistic, and irresponsible?”

Munni’s remarks have sparked further debate on environmental governance, political accountability, and the protection of natural heritage in Bangladesh.