Barisal Bureau

Allegations of encroachment of registered agricultural land in the Charjagua area of Ward No. 26 of Barishal City Corporation and the Dapadpia Union border area of Nalchiti Upazila of Jhalakathi have created a stir. The landowners and heirs have alleged that an influential group is trying to forcibly encroach on registered land in multiple areas by installing pillars and hanging red flags in a planned manner.
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According to the complaint, Shahnaz Sharif Gong, Yunus Ali Gong, Md. Anisur Rahman Khan, Abdullah Al Riaz and their respective heirs have been legally occupying the land of Dag No. 1871, 1889 and 1895 included in Mouza-Jagua, JL No. 54 for a long time. They claim that 6.9500 acres of agricultural land recorded in the name of Shahnaz Sharif Gong and 2.8800 acres recorded in the name of Yunus Ali Gong have been peacefully occupied for a long time. But recently, it has been alleged that a group is trying to establish control by installing pillars and hanging red flags at different places of these lands.
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The victims alleged that on June 18, a few individuals including Saidul Islam, Moin Mir, Ilyas Khandaker entered the land and attempted to occupy it by erecting pillars and hanging red flags. This created tension in the area and it is claimed that the long-time occupying families have become insecure.
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The complaint further states that Elias Khandaker works as a driver at the Nalchiti Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) office.
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Local resident Shahin Mir said that the lands have been in the possession of the concerned family for many years. Amir Hossain also made a similar statement. Another local resident Ramiz said that if there is a claim or objection regarding the land, they have also been told to contact the land office.
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When contacted on mobile phone, accused Saidul Islam denied the allegations against him. On the other hand, Moin Mir and Ilyas Khandaker could not be reached for comment. Several local residents, who did not wish to be named, said that Saidul was once an active member of the Proletarian Party, and that he is currently involved in land grabbing.
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OC of Nalchiti Police Station Md. Touhiduzzaman said that if a complaint is received, an investigation will be conducted and action will be taken against the culprits according to the law.
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Despite repeated attempts to contact Nalchiti Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rizvi Ahmed Sabuj for his statement on this matter, his statement could not be obtained.