Press Conference by victim family in Dohar
Dohar (Dhaka) Correspondent
A distressed couple, Sharmin Akter (22) and Adil (32), held a press conference on Tuesday at Dohar Press Club meeting room in Dohar.
The couple had previously organized a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka in May regarding the same issue.
During the press conference, Adil, a rickshaw puller, shared that he and his family have been living on a 12.5-decimal plot of government-allotted land in Ramnathpur Mouza, Mahmudpur Union, Dohar Upazila. He alleged that Panna Bepari (45), son of Azizul from Chhoto Ramnathpur, a land grabber associated with the fascist Awami League, targeted their land. In February 2025, Panna and his gang forcibly occupied most of the plot. When Adil informed the upazila administration, they assured him that the land would be returned. However, Panna’s group continued attempts to seize the entire plot, constructing a boundary wall and a permanent structure on the land. Adil claimed that when he protested, Panna and his associates brutally assaulted him and his wife. Despite filing a complaint with the Dohar Police Station, no remedy was provided initially. Later, Panna was arrested by Dohar police in a separate extortion case and is currently in jail. However, Adil alleged that Panna continues to oppress them through his associates, issuing constant threats. Adil appealed to the administration and journalists for support to protect his family.
Responding to a journalist’s question, Sharmin, Adil’s wife, stated that her husband, a rickshaw puller, supports their three children. She claimed Panna, enriched by illegally extracting sand from the Padma River, is using his wealth and influence to seize their last asset, leaving them in constant fear and insecurity.
Dohar Police Station OC Md. Hasan Ali, who recently joined, said he was unaware of the couple’s grievances but assured that any complaints would be investigated, and culprits, regardless of their influence, would be brought to justice.
Dohar UNO Tania Tabassum advised the victims to file a formal complaint, assuring that legal action would be taken.
During the press conference, Adil, a rickshaw puller, shared that he and his family have been living on a 12.5-decimal plot of government-allotted land in Ramnathpur Mouza, Mahmudpur Union, Dohar Upazila. He alleged that Panna Bepari (45), son of Azizul from Chhoto Ramnathpur, a land grabber associated with the fascist Awami League, targeted their land. In February 2025, Panna and his gang forcibly occupied most of the plot. When Adil informed the upazila administration, they assured him that the land would be returned. However, Panna’s group continued attempts to seize the entire plot, constructing a boundary wall and a permanent structure on the land. Adil claimed that when he protested, Panna and his associates brutally assaulted him and his wife. Despite filing a complaint with the Dohar Police Station, no remedy was provided initially. Later, Panna was arrested by Dohar police in a separate extortion case and is currently in jail. However, Adil alleged that Panna continues to oppress them through his associates, issuing constant threats. Adil appealed to the administration and journalists for support to protect his family.
Responding to a journalist’s question, Sharmin, Adil’s wife, stated that her husband, a rickshaw puller, supports their three children. She claimed Panna, enriched by illegally extracting sand from the Padma River, is using his wealth and influence to seize their last asset, leaving them in constant fear and insecurity.
Dohar Police Station OC Md. Hasan Ali, who recently joined, said he was unaware of the couple’s grievances but assured that any complaints would be investigated, and culprits, regardless of their influence, would be brought to justice.
Dohar UNO Tania Tabassum advised the victims to file a formal complaint, assuring that legal action would be taken.
