A series of alleged attempts to seize plots of land has been reported in Duaripara, Mirpur, over the past few days, with incidents reportedly taking place under the cover of darkness. Victims and local residents allege that groups are fencing off plots with corrugated iron sheets and bamboo, demolishing existing structures and building temporary shelters on the properties.
The names of leaders and activists affiliated with the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as well as members of the currently banned Awami League, have surfaced in connection with the alleged incidents.
On the night of September 28, an attempt was reportedly made to occupy a plot owned by Md Suman Hossain in Block ‘Ka’ of the extended Rupnagar Residential Area in Section 8 of Duaripara. According to Suman, a group of people entered the property at around 3am, erected a corrugated iron fence and constructed a temporary structure inside the plot.
After receiving information about the incident, Suman arrived at the site with several people at around 5am. The alleged occupants fled upon seeing them. Suman later dismantled and removed the temporary structure.
Suman alleged that when he went to Rupnagar Police Station over the incident, his complaint was not accepted as a case. He also claimed that he did not receive immediate police assistance despite making phone calls. However, police arrived at the scene after he called the national emergency service 999, he said.
Local residents said attempts to occupy plots have reportedly been taking place almost every night. They alleged that the process usually begins with the destruction of existing structures on a property. The plot is then enclosed with bamboo, wood and corrugated iron sheets, followed by the construction of a temporary shed. A family from a nearby slum is allegedly brought in and settled there.
According to several victims, the presence of such families later creates complications for the legitimate owners when they attempt to recover their properties. In some cases, they allege, legal disputes are subsequently created over ownership or possession of the land.
An office identified locally as a “Project Office” was found on Road 2 of Block ‘Ka’ in Duaripara. No one was present inside during a visit, but more than a hundred bamboo, wooden and corrugated iron structures intended for fencing were reportedly stored in front of the office. Local residents claimed that the materials are used in attempts to occupy plots at night.
Another alleged attempt took place at Plot No. 4 on Road 6 in Block ‘Ka’. One of the owners is a retired member of the armed forces, while another is a television presenter. They alleged that the plot’s fencing and signboard were damaged and removed. Expressing concern over their safety, the female owner said it was not possible for them to guard the property every night.
Plots No. 10 and 11 on Road 8 in Block ‘Ka’ have also reportedly been occupied recently. An unfinished temporary structure, along with brickwork, was seen inside Plot No. 11 during a visit on September 29.
A man named Abdur Rahim was found staying on the plot. He said that “Member Mobarak” had brought him there and that he was being paid Tk 4,000 to Tk 5,000 a month to guard the property.
Several names have surfaced in connection with the alleged attempts based on copies of multiple general diaries (GDs) and complaints filed with Rupnagar Police Station, as well as interviews with local residents. The names include individuals associated with the BNP, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Awami League.
Among those named in the allegations are Rupnagar Thana BNP Joint Convener Shipu Molla, 92 Ward BNP leader Kamal, also known as CNG Kamal, former Swechchhasebak Dal leader Mohammad Mamun and Awami League leader Mobarak Hossain Member, among others.
Some of those named have denied the allegations. Mohammad Mamun, former vice-president of the Rupnagar Thana unit of Swechchhasebak Dal, said he knew nothing about the matter. Repeated attempts to contact Shipu Molla were unsuccessful as he did not answer his phone.
Rupnagar Thana BNP Convener M Ashraf Islam said there was no scope for anyone to engage in irregularities or extortion by using the party’s name. He said action would be taken against anyone found involved in such activities.
Ashraf also claimed that several victims had approached him and that he had personally helped recover some plots at considerable personal risk.
Regarding allegations of police inaction, he said maintaining law and order was the responsibility of the police and questioned why the authorities had not taken action.
When contacted, Rupnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Noman Hossain said he was busy and would speak about the matter later.