Bagerhat, Dec 21 (V7N) — Local residents staged a protest and formed a human chain on Saturday in Nishanbariya Union of Morrelganj upazila, demanding the withdrawal of what they alleged to be false and harassing cases filed against innocent villagers.

The human chain was held at around 11:00 am in the Bandar Bazar area adjacent to the Sundarbans, where more than a hundred people gathered to demand the withdrawal of cases filed by Shahanoor Rahman Shahin, also known as Kalu.

During the demonstration, several alleged victims, including 8 No. Ward BNP President Yunus Munshi Khoka, 65, elderly Abdul Barek Talukder, 72, Sayed Howlader, 58, Selim Shikder, 50, Kalam Chaprashi, 58, e-rickshaw driver Tofser Bepari, and others, accused Shahanoor Rahman Shahin of filing cases to harass ordinary residents.

They claimed that Shahanoor Rahman Shahin, son of the late Rustum Ali Howlader of North Sutarli village in neighboring Barikhali Union, recently filed two cases at a Bagerhat court under allegations related to paddy harvesting and Section 7, naming multiple local residents as accused. According to the protesters, the cases even included elderly individuals who require walking sticks and e-rickshaw drivers, sparking widespread anger among local people.

The protesters alleged that the cases were intended to intimidate and harass peaceful residents, disrupting normal life in the area. They demanded intervention from higher authorities to ensure the withdrawal of the cases and to allow residents to live peacefully without fear of legal harassment.

The alleged victims further claimed that Yunus Munshi Khoka, president of the BNP’s 8 No. Ward unit, was also implicated in the cases for protesting against Shahin’s actions. They called on the administration to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice through the withdrawal of what they described as baseless cases.

However, Shahanoor Rahman Shahin denied the allegations, stating that disputes arose after some individuals created problems over a portion of his inherited land measuring 6 acres and 18 decimals. He said he filed complaints through legal channels to protect his property rights and insisted that the cases were not intended to harass anyone.

The protest ended peacefully, with residents reiterating their demand for a fair investigation and appropriate action by the authorities.

END/MPS/SMA/