Controversy Over Purbachal Land Use and Commercial Allotments

Mohammad Ejaz, the former administrator of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), is facing scrutiny over the controversial allocation of government land for commercial purposes under the guise of an afforestation project. Documents and testimonies reveal that while the land was obtained from the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK) specifically for “greening” activities, it was subsequently diverted to a private entity for the establishment of a commercial food court.

Background and Location

The site in question is located within Sector 1 of the Purbachal New Town Project, specifically along the banks of the Tongi Canal (Lake) near Nila Market. RAJUK had permitted the DNCC to use the area to plant trees and develop a green belt. The allocated stretch spans approximately 300 metres along both sides of the canal, situated near the Ichapura Bridge. To the north lies the Purbachal Expressway (300-foot road), and to the south is the Ichapura Bazar.

Crucially, the Nila Market area falls under the jurisdiction of the Rupganj Upazila in Narayanganj and has not yet been formally incorporated into the DNCC. Despite this jurisdictional discrepancy, the DNCC processed and approved a private application for the site.

The Allotment to Vivid Construction

DNCC property department records indicate that on 3 November of the previous year, the City Corporation granted permission to Vivid Construction to set up 15 food courts. This approval was given to the firm’s Chief Executive Director, Xavier S. Biswas, for a duration of two years. The rationale provided by DNCC officials was that the food courts would generate revenue to cover the maintenance costs of the green zone.

However, RAJUK officials have expressed surprise and opposition to this move. They maintain that the DNCC was granted a limited, conditional permit solely for planting trees. RAJUK asserts that the City Corporation possesses no legal authority to allocate permanent, temporary, or mobile shops on land owned by another government agency.

Administrative Disputes and Investigations

The Chief Property Officer of the DNCC, Mohammad Shawkat Osman, admitted that the decision to allow mobile food units was driven by the “administrator’s will” to manage maintenance costs. Mohammad Ejaz defended the move as an “experimental initiative” coordinated between local government and RAJUK. He claimed the approval was cancelled within a week following reports of irregularities.

Contradicting these claims, official documents show that the project was not cancelled but “temporarily suspended” via a letter dated 4 December. This suspension allowed the private firm to continue “beautification” and “soil conservation” while halting the food court operations.

The timing of these administrative reversals coincides with an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which began on 27 November of the previous year. The ACC is currently probing allegations of abuse of power, corruption, and bribery against Mohammad Ejaz.

Financial Implications

Xavier S. Biswas of Vivid Construction reported that the firm has already invested between £7,000 and £10,000 (roughly 10 to 15 lakh BDT) into the site. This investment includes the planting of 1,300 trees and the installation of 14 solar-powered streetlights equipped with advertising boxes. The firm now faces significant financial uncertainty regarding its investment and security deposit as the project remains in legal and administrative limbo.