Staff Correspondent

Local residents and members of affected families staged a human chain demanding protection and an impartial investigation into allegations against Khalekuzzaman Bablu, secretary of the Kaliganj Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The protesters alleged that people who had spoken out against drug-related activities, illegal sand filling of agricultural land and extortion had subsequently faced land grabbing, assaults and harassment through legal cases.

The human chain was held in front of the National Press Club at around noon on Saturday (29 August), organised by local residents and members of affected families.

Iqbal Ahmed, brother of expatriate Alamgir Kabir; Md Mujahidul Islam, brother of alleged victim Bayezid Hasan Shibli; and Md Zahidul Islam, Alamgir Kabir’s nephew, were among those who addressed the gathering. Other alleged victims, local residents and concerned citizens from different areas also spoke.

The speakers called for an impartial investigation into various allegations surrounding Khalekuzzaman Bablu. They alleged that Bablu and people close to him had influence over activities involving land grabbing, demands for money, assaults, drug trafficking, harassment through legal cases and the illegal filling of agricultural land with sand.

Local residents further alleged that Bablu’s two brothers, Anisur Rahman Ripon and Sohel, had been using their political identity and local influence to exert control over markets, land, sand-filling activities and construction work. Speakers also alleged that they maintained close links with several individuals, including Ziaurul, Mintu Molla, Sajal Sheikh, Mahfuz Ahmed and Latif Molla. Various allegations of involvement in criminal activities were also raised against these individuals.

The speakers said many people were reluctant to oppose the alleged activities because of the local influence of those involved. Several alleged victims claimed that people who protested or lodged complaints were subsequently subjected to legal cases and other forms of harassment.

According to the victims and local residents, the alleged activities of Bablu and his associates were damaging the public image of both the government and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. They demanded a swift, impartial and credible investigation to establish the facts and called for exemplary legal action against anyone found responsible. They also sought intervention from the Prime Minister and the relevant authorities.

Allegation of Land Grabbing Involving an Expatriate

The human chain highlighted allegations concerning nearly four bighas of land belonging to Dubai-based expatriate Alamgir Kabir. His family demanded effective measures to recover the property.

Alamgir’s brother Iqbal Ahmed and other family members claimed that the land records had been updated and land taxes paid regularly. They alleged that several individuals had taken advantage of Alamgir’s prolonged absence abroad to occupy the property.

Alamgir alleged that Anisur Rahman Ripon, Sajal Sheikh, Mahfuz Ahmed and Latif Molla, among others, had gone to his land and attempted to establish control over it. He said a case had subsequently been filed with the police.

He further claimed that several mediation meetings had been held through the local chairman, but the accused had allegedly refused to accept any decision or settlement reached during those meetings.

According to Alamgir, a tin-roofed structure has been constructed on his land. He also alleged that soil from approximately 46 per cent of the property had been excavated and removed using an excavator.

He said his four bighas of land consisted of several adjoining plots in the same area, with an estimated distance of between 300 and 500 metres between some of the sections.

Alamgir’s son, Ferdous Hasan, also alleged that the family had been prevented from exercising control over the property. He claimed that bamboo posts installed to mark the boundaries were removed during the night. He further alleged that they were obstructed whenever they attempted to use the land.

Alamgir said he had long been involved in Bangladesh Nationalist Party politics and had previously known some of the accused. He alleged that political influence had been used to demand money from him unlawfully. Although he said he had informed influential local figures about the matter, he claimed that he had received no effective remedy.

Alleged Harassment for Opposing Drugs

The human chain also raised allegations of harassment and physical assault against people who had reportedly taken a stand against drugs in the Bargaon area of Moktarapur Union in Kaliganj.

Family members of Bayezid Hasan Shibli alleged that the 19-year-old was abducted and beaten on 13 August because of his opposition to drugs. They further alleged that yaba tablets were subsequently placed in his pocket before he was handed over to the police.

The family called for an impartial investigation to establish what actually happened.

They said it should be determined whether Bayezid had been deliberately framed because of his opposition to drugs. They also demanded a proper investigation into the allegations against him and legal action against anyone found responsible.

Meanwhile, allegations were also raised that Akram Hossain Khan, a local leader of the Islamic Movement in Baktarpur Union, and members of his family had been harassed through legal cases.

Several local residents alleged that people who criticised the activities of Bablu and his associates were threatened with being implicated in different cases. Some participants claimed that more than 50 people had been harassed in this manner.

Speakers stressed that allegations against politically influential individuals should not be ignored or left uninvestigated. They demanded that the authorities verify the allegations and take action in accordance with the law if wrongdoing is established.

Alleged Control Over Chupair Cattle Market

The human chain also raised several allegations concerning the Chupair cattle market.

Local residents claimed that Anisur Rahman Ripon had influence over the market’s lease, income and expenditure, as well as various activities in and around the premises. Speakers also alleged that the supply of bricks, sand and other construction materials used for nearby roads, markets and landing facilities was subject to his control.

They claimed that substantial sums of money changed hands around the market every week, while the alleged control over its activities had caused dissatisfaction among local residents.

Allegations of Extortion and Construction Control

Expatriate Akhtar Hossain alleged that Khalekuzzaman Bablu had demanded substantial sums of money in connection with mills and factories, major businesses and contracting work.

He further claimed that Bablu had influence over decisions concerning which contractors would receive various development and construction projects.

Akhtar also alleged that Bablu’s brothers, Ripon and Sohel, exercised control over sand-filling operations in several areas and had arranged for sand to be dumped on agricultural land.

Speakers warned that the alleged illegal filling of agricultural land with sand could have long-term adverse consequences for agriculture and the environment. They called for the relevant government agencies to investigate the allegations and take necessary action.

Six-Point Demand

The victims and local residents presented six demands at the human chain:

1. Necessary measures must be taken to recover the approximately four bighas of land belonging to Dubai-based expatriate Alamgir Kabir, along with other allegedly occupied land, with intervention from the Prime Minister sought.
2. The allegations against Bayezid Hasan Shibli must be properly investigated, he should be released immediately, and the allegation that he was assaulted and handed over to police after yaba was allegedly planted in his pocket because of his opposition to drugs must be investigated, with strict action taken against those responsible.
3. The illegal filling of agricultural land with sand must be stopped, and allegations concerning land already filled with sand must be investigated.
4. Allegations of drug trafficking and harassment of people who oppose drugs must be investigated.
5. The relationships between Khalekuzzaman Bablu and the individuals named in the allegations, along with their alleged political influence, must be examined impartially.
6. The safety and security of complainants and alleged victims must be ensured.

The speakers said every allegation should be investigated impartially, regardless of political identity or influence. If an investigation establishes the truth of any allegation, they said legal action must be taken against those responsible.

They also demanded adequate protection for complainants and victims so that they can seek legal remedies without fear, intimidation or harassment.