Residents of Dholeshwar in South Keraniganj’s Konda Union say they continue to live in fear and uncertainty amid allegations of land grabbing, the forcible takeover of businesses and extortion involving several individuals reportedly associated with the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. According to local residents, the situation emerged following a political shift and has persisted for months, with little apparent improvement.
A local investigation and conversations with residents indicate that a four-member group has allegedly emerged as a key force behind several of the disputed activities in the area. The individuals named by locals are youth wing activists Simon and Tanvir, along with Bappi and BNP activist Ruman. The allegations, however, remain claims made by local residents and have not been established through a judicial process.
Residents allege that Simon, a resident of Dholeshwar village, has been involved in what they describe as case-related profiteering, intimidation, land grabbing and extortion. Locals claim he has sought to project influence in the area by identifying himself at different times as a youth wing leader, a close associate of senior BNP figures or a ‘co-ordinator’. There are also allegations that he has attempted to exert pressure on government officials. The claims could not be independently verified.
Tanvir, a resident of Dholeshwar’s western neighbourhood, has also been accused by locals of being involved in looting and intimidating residents in various parts of Wards 1, 2 and 3 of Konda Union. According to residents, such incidents have allegedly continued, contributing to a growing sense of insecurity among people living in the area.
Ruman, who reportedly lived abroad for an extended period, returned to Bangladesh after 5 August and, according to local accounts, subsequently became involved in efforts to establish influence in Dholeshwar. Residents have accused him of involvement in land disputes, alleged land grabbing and extortion. These allegations, like those against the other individuals named, require verification by the relevant authorities.
One of the most prominent allegations concerns a market owned by Khairuzzaman Raja Mia in an area along the Buriganga River in Konda Union. The group was previously accused of forcibly taking control of the market. Locals said a signboard was installed claiming ownership of the property, while a video of the incident was circulated on social media.
The signboard reportedly stated that possession had been taken over on behalf of the heirs of Sheikh Rannu Majhi, also known as Rannu Byapari. According to allegations made by local residents, Simon, Tanvir, Bappi and Ruman were directly involved in leading the alleged takeover. The ownership dispute and the circumstances surrounding the installation of the signboard would require examination of land records and other legal documents by the competent authorities.
Residents have also raised separate allegations against Dipu, a local Labour Wing leader from the Kasaibari area of Dholeshwar. He has been accused of involvement in land grabbing, the illegal drugs trade and attempts to control waste-removal activities in the Bashundhara area. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The complaints have intensified concerns over the vulnerability of landowners, traders and ordinary residents in parts of South Keraniganj, where disputes over property and control of commercial activities can quickly become contentious. Local residents say the absence of a visible resolution has deepened their anxiety, particularly among those who believe they may be at risk of losing property or facing intimidation.
Residents are now calling for prompt administrative intervention and an impartial investigation into all the allegations. They want the authorities to examine land ownership documents, investigate reported incidents of intimidation and extortion, and take legal action against anyone found responsible.
They also urged law-enforcement agencies and the local administration to ensure that political affiliation or influence does not prevent allegations from being properly investigated. According to the residents, only a transparent inquiry followed by lawful action can restore public confidence and bring an end to the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in Dholeshwar.
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