Six Detained Over Road Brick Theft in Sylhet

Authorities in Sylhet’s Zakiganj Upazila have detained six individuals, including a local youth leader, for allegedly removing bricks from a government road development project. The arrests follow a large-scale operation conducted in the Munshi Bazar area of Kaskanakpur Union on Thursday, 5 March, aimed at recovering stolen construction materials.

Allegations and Arrests

The detainees include Mahfuzul Islam Chowdhury, the assistant secretary of the Upazila chapter of the Jubo Jamat. Local sources report that the incident sparked widespread discussion and criticism after it emerged that bricks from a government road project were being removed, with social media amplifying concerns. Chowdhury’s own online activity in the aftermath of the removal reportedly intensified public scrutiny.

Authorities said that the operation, which lasted from morning until evening, recovered several hundred thousand bricks that had been illicitly taken from the site. Six individuals were taken into custody for questioning, and further legal action is underway.

Background of the Road Project

The road in question stretches approximately 2.5 kilometres, connecting Munshi Bazar Madrasa to the North Iyer BGB Camp. It was constructed in 2021 using nearly one million bricks laid in a herringbone bond pattern. Currently, under the supervision of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Surma River embankment renovation work is ongoing. As part of preparatory measures, the Upazila administration had instructed that existing road bricks be carefully removed and stored on the madrasa grounds for later reuse.

However, local complaints allege that far beyond the authorised quantity, a large number of bricks—estimated at 1.5 million—were removed from the site under cover of darkness. On 4 March, a written complaint was submitted to the Upazila Executive Officer by Abu Yusuf Mohammed, a resident of the area, prompting immediate administrative action.

Official Statement

Abdur Razzak, Officer-in-Charge of Zakiganj Police Station, confirmed the arrests:

“Six individuals have been detained, including Mahfuzul Islam Chowdhury. Several hundred thousand bricks were recovered during the operation. Legal proceedings are currently in process against the accused.”

The arrests mark the culmination of an intensive task force operation initiated in response to public allegations and social media reports. Authorities emphasised the importance of safeguarding government development materials and maintaining accountability in ongoing infrastructure projects.

Key Details of the Brick Theft Case

The case has reignited local debate on the protection of government infrastructure and development projects. Community members and officials alike have called for stricter monitoring to prevent the misuse or theft of construction materials in public works, underlining the broader challenges of maintaining transparency and accountability in rural development initiatives.