Bangladesh, Aug. 14 -- Once famed for its crystalline waters and scattered white stones, the picturesque Sada Pathar -- where the Dhalai River kisses the Meghalayan foothills -- now lies stripped and silent, its natural splendour buried beneath swathes of lifeless sand.

A group of tourists from Cumilla, spellbound by the translucent river and the rolling green backdrop, took a boat from Bholaganj to witness what was once one of Sylhet's crown jewels.

Their excitement, however, faded swiftly upon arrival.

The stones they had come to see had all but vanished.

Speaking on their return journey, one of the visitors, Md Noman Ahmed, expressed deep frustration.

"We're disappointed. The looting is happening right under the authorities' nose....