Allegations of government building and land occupation against a BNP leader in Faridpur

Mobile Reporter--

In Faridpur's Bhanga, there are allegations that a BNP leader has occupied a newly constructed building belonging to the Roads and Highways Department. Since October 18, he has been unlawfully occupying additional government land to build shops. Local influential BNP leader Noor Hossain Molla is accused of seizing the Roads and Highways Department building and adjacent land near the Bhanga bus stand and hospital.

Since the incident, the Roads and Highways Department has issued verbal and written warnings to vacate the premises, but Molla continues to ignore these notices and is constructing more shops on government property.

On August 22, a letter was sent to Molla regarding the occupation, but no action has been taken. Copies of the letter were also provided to the Bhanga Upazila Executive Officer and the Officer in Charge of the Bhanga police station, yet no steps have been initiated by them.

On-site observations reveal that a small building intended as a side office was being constructed by the Roads and Highways Department for almost a year, nearing completion. However, on August 18, Molla allegedly occupied the government building, affixed a signboard, and later demolished part of it to create four shop spaces. On October 18, he began constructing a tin shed on additional government land.

Mohammad Jahangir Hossain, an office assistant at the Bhanga Roads and Highways Department, stated that Molla claimed ownership of the building after the government changed, despite it being designated for official use. Despite verbal and written prohibitions, Molla has persisted in his actions.

Local residents have described Molla as a land grabber, claiming he has been attempting to seize various government lands around Bhanga for an extended period.

Molla defended his actions by asserting that he has occupied and utilized that land for about 60 years, claiming the Roads and Highways Department has encroached on his property.

Khandakar Iqbal Hossain Selim, president of the local BNP, mentioned he was unaware of any land grabbing by Molla and clarified that this issue pertains to personal and governmental matters, not party politics.

Bhanga Upazila Executive Officer Kudrat-e-Khoda stated he had not received any communication from the Roads and Highways Department but assured that necessary actions would be taken against anyone occupying government property.

Md. Ashraful Islam, a sub-assistant engineer in the Madaripur zone of the Roads and Highways Department, confirmed that the building was constructed with departmental funds for official use, and reiterated that Molla had unlawfully taken over the structure.