PHOTO: SHEIKH NASIR

Despite a ban, sand extraction from the Piyain river in Sylhet’s Jaflong area continues in plain sight. Locals allege that poor monitoring allows traders, aided by corrupt officials, to freely lift sand from the riverbed with small boats, putting the environment at risk. The violation is even more glaring in light of the recent uproar over a similar incident at the Sada Pathor area in Sylhet’s Bholaganj. The photo was taken yesterday.