M R Amin, Chattogram

A drive has been launched to evict illegal structures built on land owned by the Water Development Board (WDB) in Chattogram, including the Sheikh Russel Mini Stadium constructed by the influential industrial conglomerate Mostafa Hakim Group.

The eviction drive began at 9:30 AM on Sunday (July 13), led by the Executive Magistrate of the District Administration and the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of the Kattoli Circle. Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Farishta Karim and Executive Magistrate Md. Moinul Hasan were also present during the operation.

According to WDB sources, around 32 acres of land owned by the board in the Kattoli and Halishahar areas have been illegally occupied for a long time. Some individuals have established farms, built homes, and even set up commercial establishments on this government land. A major portion had been converted into a stadium named after Sheikh Russel by the Mostafa Hakim Group, commonly known to locals as the Mostafa Hakim Mini Stadium.

WDB has identified 39 influential occupiers, including former Awami League MP Didarul Alam, former Mayor Manjur Alam, former councilor and AL leader Nishar Uddin Ahmed Monju, Jamuna Group of Industries, and former councilor Abul Hashem, among others.

The land was originally acquired in 1970 for the construction of a town protection embankment. After the construction of the embankment-cum-road, much of the land remained unused, creating an opportunity for powerful individuals to grab the property.

The current market value of the illegally occupied 32 acres is estimated at around Tk 400 crore (USD 35 million approx). Over the past 16 years, structures like covered van yards, depots, dairy farms, garages, hotels, and rental homes have been built on the land. Many of the occupiers are reportedly earning crores by renting or selling these illegal holdings.

WDB's Executive Engineer Shawkat Ibne Shahid said illegal structures have been constructed on WDB land in Halishahar, Pahartali, North Halishahar, South Kattoli, and North Kattoli Mouza areas. “We’ve launched a three-day eviction drive. The district administration has appointed three magistrates, and the operation is being conducted jointly with support from the army and police,” he added.

Also present during the drive were Sub-Divisional Engineers Borno Hoque, Anis Haider, Sohag Talukder, Amit Mazumder, and Sub-Assistant Engineers Monir Hoque and Proggyan Chakma. Members of the armed forces and law enforcement ensured security during the operation.

Locals say the occupiers are so powerful that no one dares protest. Some have even constructed permanent concrete buildings and rented them out. As a result, the government is losing valuable revenue, and citizens are being deprived of public-use facilities.

Local resident Kalam Uddin said, “At first, a few people built makeshift homes. Now many have fenced off plots and constructed concrete buildings. Everyone knows it’s government land, but no one has the courage to speak up.”

Urban development experts have expressed grave concern over the illegal occupation of government land in key city locations. They call for swift legal action and demand that the reclaimed land be used for public welfare purposes.