Allegations of commission-taking in the disbursement of compensation to landowners at the Land Acquisition (LA) Branch of the Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner’s Office have taken a new turn, with the name of Accounts Assistant Md Hasibul Hasan emerging alongside those of Kanungos and surveyors.
Landowners and alleged victims claim that files do not move unless commissions are paid and that those refusing to make payments are subjected to prolonged delays and harassment in receiving compensation for land acquired for various development projects.
A video purportedly showing Hasibul receiving money at the LA Branch has recently circulated on social media and in several media outlets, intensifying questions over the transparency of the office’s activities.
The authenticity, context and purpose of the transaction shown in the video could not be independently verified.
LANDOWNERS ALLEGEDLY MADE TO RUN FROM DESK TO DESK
According to complainants, landowners whose properties have been acquired for projects including railway lines and the Hatikumrul Interchange often have to make repeated visits to the LA Branch to receive their compensation.
They allege that officials and employees concerned demand commissions at different rates to process their files.
If payments are not made, the files allegedly remain pending at different desks for months, forcing landowners to make repeated visits and incur additional costs before receiving money that is legally due to them.
Victims Md Nihal Hossain and Jamela Khatun alleged that no work could be done without paying money to Accounts Assistant Hasibul Hasan.
They claimed that files were deliberately kept pending if commissions were not paid and demanded an investigation into the allegations against Hasibul and appropriate action if the allegations are found to be true.
VIDEO FUELS FRESH CONTROVERSY
The circulation of the video purportedly showing Hasibul receiving money has added a new dimension to the allegations.
In the footage, a person identified as Hasibul appears to receive money inside the LA Branch. However, the circumstances surrounding the transaction and whether the money was connected to any official service could not be independently established.
Asked about the allegations, Hasibul declined to speak on camera.
He was also questioned about the money-taking scene in the video but did not provide a clear explanation for the transaction.
EARLIER ALLEGATIONS AGAINST LA OFFICIALS
This is not the first time that the LA Branch has faced allegations of irregularities and commission-based dealings.
Earlier, Kanungos and surveyors working at the same branch were accused of taking commissions from landowners and engaging in various irregularities in processing land acquisition-related files.
The latest allegations against Hasibul, coupled with the circulation of the video, have renewed concerns over the transparency and accountability of the LA Branch.
For landowners whose properties have been acquired for public projects, compensation represents their legitimate financial entitlement. Any alleged demand for unofficial payments to release such funds can place an additional burden on people who may already be facing financial and administrative difficulties.
ADMINISTRATION PROMISES ACTION
When contacted, Sirajganj Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Nur Nahar Begum said the allegations would be examined and necessary action would be taken.
She did not elaborate on whether a formal inquiry would be launched or whether the circulated video would be examined as part of any investigation.
Landowners have called for a transparent and harassment-free mechanism for disbursing compensation, saying they should not have to pay commissions or make unofficial payments to receive money legally owed to them.
The key question now is whether the district administration will investigate the allegations against Hasibul Hasan and determine the circumstances surrounding the video, as well as address the broader allegations of commission-based dealings within the LA Branch.