In Kachua Bazar of Shouljalia Union, Kathalia Upazila, Jhalakathi, allegations have been raised against a local Awami League leader for constructing a house by occupying government canal land. Despite objections from locals, no effective action has been taken by the administration, and the inaction and mysterious silence of officials have raised questions.
According to local sources, there is a government canal under Khatian No. 1, Plot No. 1615 in Kachua Bazar. Although attempts to encroach on the canal have been ongoing for a long time, recently, local Awami League leader Md. Hanif Khan began constructing a shop-house on the canal land. Despite objections from local businessmen and BNP leaders, he continued the construction work.
Following the incident, locals verbally complained to the UNO office. On the instructions of UNO Jahirul Islam, Kanthalia Land Office Surveyor Jasim Uddin and Shouljalia Union Tehsildar Md. Musa visited the site but returned without taking any action.
Locals alleged that the two officials, in exchange for a hefty bribe, sided with the accused and hushed up the matter. When the issue was brought to the UNO’s attention again, he sent his office assistant, Md. Shoaynur Rahman, who merely took a few photos with his mobile phone and left without stopping the construction. Since then, the construction work has continued as before, causing extreme resentment among locals.
Shouljalia Union BNP General Secretary and Kachua Bazar Committee President Md. Mostafa Helal Kiran said, “We initially tried to stop it on our own. Even after complaining to the UNO, his staff only came, looked around, and left. After that, the construction of the house resumed.”
Kachua Bazar businessmen Md. Rustum Miya, Babu Mali, Momtaz, and Md. Faruk Sikdar said, “When we directly objected, the land office staff came, stayed for a while, and left. Since then, Hanif Khan has been continuing the construction work regularly. We demand a proper investigation and appropriate action.”
When contacted, Kanthalia Land Office Surveyor Jasim Uddin said, “I cannot say anything about this. Please ask the UNO.”
Despite multiple attempts to contact UNO Jahirul Islam, he did not answer the calls. On one occasion, he picked up and said, “If you want to know, come to the office,” before disconnecting the call.
Locals have expressed outrage over the construction of illegal structures on government land and the administration’s silence. They have demanded immediate eviction of the illegal encroachers and action against those responsible, urging the administration to intervene.
