Market allegedly built on RHD land in Sreepur
S M Joherul Islam, Sreepur (Gazipur)
In the Gargaria Masterbari Bazar area of Sreepur Upazila, Gazipur, multiple illegal shops have been set up by occupying land belonging to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
A market named Abbas Ali Super Market has been constructed on the encroached land, with a signboard installed to claim the property. The project is spearheaded by local influential figure Shahidul Islam Sohel, reportedly operating under the protection of his uncle, Liaquat Ali, a member of the convening committee of the Sreepur municipal unit of Jubo Dal (BNP's youth wing).
Investigations reveal that more than fifty shops have been built along the highway, including grocery stores, restaurants, electronics shops, cosmetics outlets, and tea stalls. Due to the absence of walking space for pedestrians, daily traffic congestion occurs, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
According to road regulations, no structures are allowed within 33 meters of a highway. However, due to the silent inaction of the local administration and police, Sohel has continued to violate the law by constructing one structure after another. It is alleged that he collects hundreds of thousands of takas monthly from shopkeepers as security deposits and rent.
Several shopkeepers, speaking anonymously, stated that they had to pay security deposits ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 BDT, and monthly rents between 5,000 and 10,000 BDT. Some even pay rent on a daily basis. "If we disclose our names, our shops will be demolished," they said.
Allegations have also been made against Sohel and Liaquat for occupying not just government land, but private property as well. Haji Md. Bashir Ali of Gilarchala village claimed that although he owns 35 decimals of land in Keoa mouza, Sohel, under the leadership of Liaquat, forcibly entered his land, cut down his bamboo grove, and issued death threats. A court case concerning this land is currently ongoing, and a permanent injunction has been issued by the court.
Victim Bashir Ali alleged that SI Alamgir Hossain of Sreepur Police Station visited the site but instead pressured him to give away the bamboo and threatened him with trouble if he resisted, raising concerns about police neutrality.
Since last August, multiple allegations of land grabbing, extortion, and assault have been filed against Liaquat. Locals have staged protest marches and human chains in the Madhkhola area, demanding justice.
Local businessmen remarked, "If it were an ordinary person, RHD or the police would have demolished the illegal shops within a day. But since they are influential, the illegal occupation continues year after year without consequence."
When contacted, accused Shahidul Islam Sohel admitted to occupying the land, stating, "I have some shops there. If RHD demands, I will vacate." However, he did not directly respond to questions about rent or deposits.
BNP leader Liaquat Ali claimed, "I do not use muscle power or political influence. All allegations against me are false."
Repeated attempts to contact KM Shariful Islam, Executive Engineer of Gazipur Roads and Highways Department, via phone and text messages, went unanswered.
