The upazila administration has reclaimed government-owned khas land worth around Tk 2 crore in Chanpur on the outskirts of Cumilla city, following allegations that it had been illegally occupied for years.
Led by Mashiat Akter, assistant commissioner (land) of Cumilla Sadar Upazila, officials measured the land, marked its boundaries and took steps to protect the property.
Local sources said, "the nine-decimal-and-37-cent plot, located in front of Halima Telecom in Chanpur, falls under BS Dag No. 268 and Khas Khatian No. 1. The land was allegedly occupied for more than 20 years by former Panchthubi Union Parishad chairman Shamsul Alam, known as Shamsu, and his brother Zahir."
The administration recently received allegations that a boundary wall was being built on the plot and that attempts were being made to sell it. The upazila land administration subsequently launched an operation to protect the government property.
During the drive, officials measured the land and identified it as government-owned khas property. They marked the site with red cloth and put up a signboard to prevent further encroachment.
Former UP chairman Shamsul Alam, however, claimed ownership of the land, saying, “I bought the land. It belongs to me. I will proceed through legal channels. No one can take my land.”
Mashiat Akter said, the plot was recorded as khas land and belonged to the Government of Bangladesh. She added that the land had remained under unauthorised occupation for a long time and that the administration had taken action in accordance with the law after learning about the matter.
Meanwhile, local residents alleged that Shamsu's associates had torn down the red cloth after it was put up by the authorities. They also accused Shamsul Alam and his brother Zahir of long-standing land grabbing, land appropriation through usurious lending and various forms of harassment. However, many residents were reportedly reluctant to speak publicly about the allegations out of fear.
The recovery of the government land has sparked discussion in the area. Locals hope the administration will continue its efforts to protect public property and properly investigate the allegations of land grabbing.