Mir Imran, Madaripur

There has been a lot of excitement over allegations of private use of the government toll booth, market ground and related government property in Dakshin Krobchar Bazar, Bhandarikandi Union, Shibchar Upazila, Madaripur, entering into contracts in exchange for money and restricting the access of the general public.

The Upazila administration has directed the Shibchar Assistant Commissioner (Land) [AC (Land)] to investigate the matter based on a written complaint and take necessary action.

Locals have alleged that government toll booths and market-related properties, managed by the district and upazila administrations, have been used as private property for a long time. There have even been allegations of contracts being signed in exchange for money around government facilities, which has called into question the management of government property.

The complaint states that according to the provisions related to the management of local governments (haats and markets), government haats, markets, toll booths and related facilities are owned by the state and are to be operated only under the control of authorized authorities of the government. In that case, it is not legally permissible for any individual or group to rent, contract or keep these properties under personal control without proper government approval.

According to the written complaint, a person named Md. Delwar Khan entered into a contract worth about three lakh taka with a private contracting company. The complainants claim that the contract has the signatures of Shahidul Islam, Sardar Md. Jahangir Hossain and Ward No. 7 member Md. Atiyar Sardar as witnesses. The bill and contract related to the complaint have also been submitted to the administration.

Locals further complain that the government toll booth has been surrounded by a tin fence on all sides. As a result, ordinary traders, buyers and locals are unable to use the government facility. They claim that this has effectively put government property under private control and there is a risk of loss of government revenue.

When asked about this, Shibchar UNO H. M. Ibne Mizan said, "We have received a written complaint. Shibchar AC (Land) has been instructed to investigate the matter and take necessary action. Further legal action will be taken based on the investigation report."

On Friday (July 31) afternoon, Bhandarikandi Union Parishad chairman candidate Md. Qayyum Sardar told reporters at Dakshin Krobachar Bazar on behalf of locals, "The government toll booth is the property of the people. It cannot be in the possession of any individual or group. The toll booth must be opened to the public by removing the tin fence immediately. At the same time, the administration must take legal action against those who have occupied government facilities and deprived the common people of their use."

Present at the time were Junaid Member, Akab Sardar Member, Nur Mohammad Hang, Sameed Khan, Mujibar Sikder, Malek Khan, Kinai Akon, Motaleb Hang, Abu Said Molla, Ilyas Gharami, Santu Hawlader, Hossain Bepari and Tuku Sardar.

According to law enforcement, government markets, markets, toll booths and related facilities are state property. It is not legal to use, occupy, rent or contract these properties privately without proper government approval. If the allegations are proven true during the investigation, there is scope for eviction of illegal occupation, cancellation of illegal contracts, restoration of government property and action against those concerned as per prevailing law.

The locals demand that the investigation should be impartial, transparent and free from influence. If the allegations are proven, exemplary action should be taken against those involved in the illegal use or occupation of government property and all government establishments, including the government toll booth in South Krobchar Bazar, should be opened to the public immediately.