Masud Rana, Barishal Bureau

An allegation has been raised against Syed Ashiq Chowdhury, son of the landowner, for illegally evicting the under-construction building of Beauty Super Market in South Chawk Bazar of Barisal city.

On Friday  from 9 a.m., 10–15 workers were reportedly engaged in the unauthorized demolition work of the under-construction building.

According to sources, the construction of the Beauty Super Market was contracted with a developer company, and the developer continued construction as per the agreement. However, the landowner allegedly breached the contract and executed a deed of gift in favor of his son Syed Ashiq Chowdhury and daughter Kamrunnahar Chowdhury.

Using this gift deed, Syed Ashiq Chowdhury claimed ownership of the land and has been attempting to demolish the developer’s under-construction building with manpower.

On 07/06/2023, with the alleged collaboration of former mayor and General Secretary of Barisal Metropolitan Awami League, Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah, Syed Ashiq attempted but failed to evict the building. After the political change post-August 5, a new effort to evict the building illegally has been launched.

Abdul Quddus, a partner from the developer company, called the national emergency service 999 for police assistance. Police arrived on the scene, maintained peace, and summoned both parties to the station. However, Syed Ashiq Chowdhury did not appear at the station.

Abdul Quddus said, “The landowner Zulfikar Ali Chowdhury Zulu made a contract with us to construct the Beauty Super Market. According to the agreement, he has taken crores of taka from us. The building is still under construction. Now, his son Syed Ashiq Chowdhury is claiming ownership and is trying to evict the building illegally without clearing our dues.” He also mentioned that a written complaint has been filed at Kotwali Model Police Station seeking justice against the illegal eviction attempt.

Barishal Kotwali Sub-Inspector Shihab confirmed, “After receiving a call through 999, we went to the spot and were made aware of the attempted eviction. Victim partner Abdul Quddus has filed a written complaint at Kotwali Model Police Station regarding the matter.”