Abdul Latif Sarker, Raiganj

As the interim government has taken a strict stance against all kinds of corruption, irregularities and illegal grabbing, right then allegation has been intensified that an influential quarter is constructing Pacca (pave) installations after grabbing the government land near Lakshmikhola Baza’ar area in Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj district.

Though, the local administration assured the local newsmen to prevent it through the legal process taking consent of the Deputy Commissioner, the land grabbers, who introduced themselves as BNP and Chhatra Dal men, are carrying the construction work without any hindrance.

As a result, agitation has been created among the local residents centering the illegal activities and inactiveness of the concerned authorities.

A number of local journalists visited the spot on Wednesday and found that, one Belal Hossain, son of late Jalil Hossain of Rouha village under Dhanghora union of Raiganj upazila in the district was involved in constructing Pacca installations (rooms) on the roadside land owned by local LGED and Zilla Parishad offices with the help of some masons.

While talking, Belal Hossain told the newsmen that, he had been carrying business on the land for long after establishing tin shed rooms. But now, he wants to construct building on the land to expand his business.

Replying to a query about the ownership of the land, he said, “Though, I have no papers and documents on the land, no one of the concerned authorities has barred me to build Pacca installation on it so far. Therefore, I have been continuing my construction work.”

His son Sohel Rana introducing himself as a Chhatra Dal leader said, “We are carrying our construction work after managing local administration. So, there is no one to prevent us.”

On condition of anonymity, local residents said, “If such as grabbing activities continue by influential due to inactivity of the authorities concerned, no government land will remain vacant in future for further development works. This is why, the concerned authorities should pay heeds in this regard before construction of the Pacca or multistoried buildings on the government land.

Humayun Kabir, UNO of Raiganj told The Daily Sky, “Our team has already visited the spot and asked the builders to stop the construction work. However, initiative will be taken to conduct eviction drive as soon as possible.”