Mirzaganj (Patuakhali) Correspondent

Allegations of abusing official power, attempting to grab a neighbor's land using court influence, and harassing them through repeated lawsuits have been raised against Shahida Sultana, a Record Keeper at the Patuakhali Judicial Magistrate Court. The incident has sparked anger among the local residents.

The event took place in Kismat Jhatibunia village under Madhabkhali Union in Mirzaganj Upazila, Patuakhali.

Regarding this matter, Roni Howlader submitted a written complaint on behalf of the victimized family to the Patuakhali District Judge and the Public Prosecutor on Tuesday (August 25).

According to the complaint, Roni Howlader and his family members, residents of Kismat Jhatibunia village, are the ancestral owners of 74 decimals of land and have been in possession of it for a long time. Their residential house and their parents' graves are located on plot numbers 208 and 199 of that land. Shahida Sultana has been attempting to grab the land by exerting influence through her court job. Multiple cases and complaints have been filed regarding this issue at the Union Parishad, Mirzaganj Police Station, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer's office, and the court. Despite several local arbitration attempts to resolve the issue, her side refused to accept the decisions. Most recently, Shahida has been harassing the family by filing another lawsuit (Case No. 59/2023) in the court where she works.

Local sources revealed that Shahida Sultana joined the Patuakhali Judicial Magistrate Court as a Record Keeper in 2009. Taking advantage of serving at the same workplace for a long time, she has been exerting undue influence.

Meanwhile, journalists have obtained several video and audio recordings supporting the allegations of threats made at the victims' home and the misuse of court influence regarding the land dispute.

In one video, Shahida Sultana and her brother, Shahjada Sohag, are seen intimidating the neighboring family and putting pressure on an investigating officer regarding the disputed land.

The victimized family alleges that Shahida Sultana is actively involved in local land disputes by leveraging both her court position and her family's political clout. Her father, Motahar Uddin Jhantu, is an influential member of the Madhabkhali Union Awami League, and her brother, Shahjada Sohag, is a member of the Awami League's Sub-Committee on Information and Research.

Roni Howlader stated, "Since she is currently employed at the Patuakhali court, we are apprehensive about getting justice. If she is not transferred elsewhere, we will be deprived of a fair trial."

When asked about the matter, the accused, Shahida Sultana, said, "We do have a land dispute with them. However, I have not called anyone or exerted influence using the court's authority."

Regarding the issue, Md. Mojibur Rahman Toton, the Public Prosecutor of Patuakhali District and General Secretary of the District BNP, confirmed, "A written complaint has been received from the victimized family in this regard."