Obaydul Islam Robi, Rajshahi

Various complaints have been raised about Khas Khatian land and government pond in Charghat Upazila in Rajshahi.

With the help of upazila land office, Awami League leaders and workers are taking possession of many special lands and ponds in exchange of money.

Government is deprived of revenue collection. Although there is some land under the control of the land office, many upazila lands are in the possession of others due to various complications.

Beneficiaries express their disapproval of giving their own land or leased land or jointly occupied land to someone else. Due to which people are killed with attacks and lawsuits. A lot of valuable land in a municipality with 6 unions of the upazila is in the possession of political leaders and conniving people. Those lands are in the possession of former UP chairman and local leaders. Locals have complained that this encroachment is with the help of land office. But instead of context, occupation is changing.

The permanent residents of Charghat union complained that many local leaders, including Chowdhury Bill of the upazila, grabbed the land and dug the pond for power. In addition, government land has also been exchanged for money. There are 27 government ponds in the upazila. Most of the ponds are in the possession of the powerful leaders of the A-League government at that time.

Several fishermen, Mahbubur Rahman former president of Tangon Fishermen's Association and Rawtha Fishermen's President Humayon Kabir, complained that the government ponds were originally supposed to be given to fishermen through lease, but due to various complications, they were taken over by others. Especially former mayor Ekramul used to lease the pond and fish because of his power. In return, the fishermen were given a small amount of money. The fish farmers only used by the political parties.

Former Vice-President of Rajshahi University Sattara Dal and Joint-secretary Jala Jubo Dal (1) Zillur Rahman Biplab said that Awomi League government has misused there power and has taken possession of special lands and ponds. The ponds should be given to the fish farmers through a proper lease by Upazila Nirbahi Officer and the Assistant Commissioner (Lands).

He thinks that then money will be added to the government treasury.

Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Arif Hossain said that he took charge of Charghat (Land) office on 10 June 24. Since then, upazila land office has been working to evacuate all illegal encroachments and structures. The issue of encroachment of river basins, special lands and ponds in the upazila is true. There are 27 government ponds in the upazila. Of which 16 have been leased, 8 ponds are under litigation and the rest are not being leased due to lack of water. However, the land office has received complaints about irregularities. He said that a case will be filed against various illegal structures, unoccupied land and ponds under the existing law.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sanjida Sultana said that any irregularity will not be tolerated. Legal action will be taken against those involved in illegal encroachment. The Upazila Land Office is investigating the matter at the field level. Future activities will continue with proper management.