Atiqur Rahman Atik, Gaibandha

In Gaibandha, locals and worshippers staged a protest alleging that Tk 1.1 million collected under the pretext of purchasing land for a mosque was embezzled by Krishak Dal leader Ruhul Amin (alias Al Amin) and Jubo League leader Momin Mia, described by protesters as accomplices of autocracy.On Friday (May 2) afternoon, the agitated locals and worshippers blocked the Gaibandha-Nakaihat Road near the Al-Aqsa Jame Mosque on College Road, in the Tin Gachh Tola area, as part of their demonstration.According to reports, Ruhul Amin is an executive member of the Gaibandha District Krishak Dal, and Momin Mia is an executive member of the District Jubo League. Additionally, Ruhul Amin is the former president of the mosque committee, and Momin is its former general secretary.During the protest, participants alleged that Ruhul Amin took Tk 1,105,500 from them claiming it was for purchasing land for the mosque. However, despite repeated arbitration meetings, he neither completed the land registration nor returned the money, using his political influence within the BNP to avoid accountability.They further alleged that he embezzled the mosque’s funds in collusion with Jubo League leader and current mosque secretary Momin Mia.Former mosque cashier and businessman Masum stated, “We handed Tk 1,105,500 to Ruhul Amin to purchase land for the mosque. This money came from donations by locals and other generous individuals. But he neither finalized the deed for the 5 decimals of land nor returned the money. He even refused to accept the remaining Tk 394,000 required to complete the purchase.”He added, “When we ask about the money or the land, we are threatened with lawsuits. We appeal to the media and demand the administration’s intervention.”Another worshipper, Sumon, said, “We struggled to collect Tk 1.1 million for the mosque land, but Ruhul Amin and Momin misappropriated the funds and didn’t register the land. When complaints were filed with the police, Ruhul Amin bought time through a police meeting but failed to act. Instead, he forcibly changed the mosque's name from Baitul Aqsa Jame Mosque to Salafi Jame Mosque.”He further alleged that despite multiple promises, Ruhul Amin has continuously stalled, leading to growing frustration among the worshippers. “We were left with no choice but to take to the streets,” he said, demanding immediate registration of the land in the mosque’s name and administrative action against the accused leaders.During the protest, participants chanted slogans like “Break the hands of the corrupt!” and blocked the road, causing traffic congestion on both sides.Prior to the roadblock, a human chain was also formed at the same location, attended by over a thousand residents of various ages.