Rajshahi, Nov 23 (V7N) – In Charghat, Rajshahi, three members of the same family have forcibly occupied government khas land designated for landless families, local residents and victims report. The land, located in Kaluhaati West Para, had been cultivated by six landless families under a housing project for nearly six years. The three brothers, Nazrul Islam, Esarul Islam, and their cousin Shafiqul Islam, took control of the land on August 5 last year following a political change in the local administration. They are reportedly influential in the area and linked to BNP politics.
The affected families say that the brothers cut down banana trees and other fruit-bearing plants, taking over the land and leaving the families in fear and uncertainty. Shamsul Alam, a resident of Chakkrishtpur government housing, said, “On August 5, they suddenly came and destroyed all the trees we had planted and took the land. We did not dare to resist. We later submitted a written complaint to the Upazila Executive Officer, but even after 13 months, no action has been taken.”
Another affected resident, Hafizul, said, “The three brothers forcibly seized the land allocated in our names. We are living in extreme fear; I cannot even bring my van home as they block the way.”
Local sources say the powerful land grabbers have left the landless families intimidated. The victims claim that the lack of administrative action has emboldened the perpetrators.
One of the accused, Nazrul Islam, claimed, “We have been using this land since our father and grandfather’s time. The administration took the main part for the housing project, but we three brothers occupied the surrounding vacant areas.” He added that the Upazila Executive Officer had verbally allowed them to cultivate the land, but no written permission exists.
Nimpara Union Parishad Chairman Mizanur Rahman said, “No complaints have been submitted to me by the landless families. If this has occurred, necessary measures will be taken immediately.” Charghat Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman stated, “No complaints regarding this land seizure have been filed at the station. Legal action will follow if complaints are submitted.”
Upazila Executive Officer Jannatul Ferdous confirmed receiving a written complaint from the affected families and said, “The matter will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken promptly.”
Around six years ago, under the then Awami League government, six landless families were provided with semi-pucca houses on Chakkrishtpur government khas land. They were allowed to cultivate the remaining land, planting banana and other fruit trees. Following the political change, the influential local brothers forcibly evicted these families and occupied the land, depriving the original beneficiaries of their legal rights.
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