A senior local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the northern district of Joypurhat has faced internal disciplinary action following accusations of forcibly occupying a residential property belonging to a local figure associated with the Awami League. The incident has drawn significant local attention amid ongoing political shifts across the region.
Disciplinary Action and Ultimatum
The leadership of the Akkelpur Upazila branch of the BNP formally announced the permanent expulsion of Mizanur Rahman Babu, who served as the joint general secretary of the party’s Raikali Union committee. The decision was confirmed through an official expulsion notice bearing the signatures of key upazila executive members, including President Kamruzzaman Kamal, General Secretary Arif Iftekhar Ahmed Rana, Organising Secretary Samiul Hasan Emon, and executive member U.M. Mosharraf Hossain.
According to party documents, the controversy came to light when allegations surfaced that Babu had taken over a two-storey residential building located in Raikali village. In response to the complaints, local party organs intervened, issuing a formal directive on 21 July giving the local leader a seven-day deadline to vacate the property. Following the expiry of the deadline without compliance, the upazila committee moved to safeguard the party’s public image by stripping him of all primary memberships and structural positions.
Background of the Property Dispute
Local reports and police inquiries indicate that the contested property spans approximately four decimal of land and features a modern concrete house owned by Belal Hossain, the general secretary of the Raikali Union Awami League. Financial records suggest that Hossain had previously mortgaged the real estate to the Zianagar branch of Agrari Bank to secure a business loan amounting to 120,000 taka.
Following the widespread political upheaval and administrative transitions of August 2024, Hossain reportedly went into seclusion, leaving the premises unoccupied. Shortly afterward, his family members also relocated, creating an administrative vacuum that enabled the alleged occupation. In response to these developments, Shahnaz Begum, the wife of the owner, lodged a formal written complaint with the local law enforcement agency.
Counter-Claims and Ongoing Inquiries
While local investigations continue, Mizanur Rahman Babu has strongly refuted all allegations of illegal encroachment. He contends that the real estate is situated on ancestral family land that historically belonged to his paternal grandfather. According to his statement, the original construction by the rival politician was erected on disputed ground, and his recent actions merely represent the recovery of legitimate family inheritance.
The local police administration has confirmed receipt of the formal grievance. Officer-in-Charge Shahain Reza stated that the matter has been assigned to Sub-Inspector Bazlur Rahman for a comprehensive factual inquiry. Although investigating officers have visited the site and held preliminary discussions with the parties involved, formal mediation sessions remain pending as local authorities evaluate competing ownership claims.
