Graveyard Site Allegedly Occupied for Construction

Residents of Azibpur, Siddhirganj have raised concerns over allegations that a site historically used for ritual washing of the deceased has been occupied to construct a permanent building. Locals claim the encroachment is being carried out by a political activist, who is reportedly using the names of both former and current Members of Parliament to assert influence over the land following recent elections.

Historical Significance of the Site

According to local sources, the site has been in community use for nearly 80 years. In 1943, approximately 40 refugee families settled in Omarpur, Siddhirganj under government cards, establishing a neighbourhood that reserved nearly one acre of open land for communal purposes. Over the decades, the site has been traditionally used for ritual washing of deceased community members, a practice maintained informally by residents.

Alleged Encroachment

Residents allege that on 12 February, shortly after local elections, Abdul Mannan Mona—also known as Driver Mona—began constructing a permanent building on the site. Locals claim Mona, who identifies as a BNP activist, attempted to sell the land to a Hindu resident named Ganesh and reportedly received an advance payment of BDT 100,000.

Mona is alleged to have previously worked as a driver for former Member of Parliament Gias Uddin and is now purportedly leveraging the influence of the current MP for the Narayanganj-3 constituency, Azharul Islam Mannan, to assert control over the land.

Community Response

Local resident Ruby Akter said, “I have seen this site used for our deceased relatives’ washing since childhood. If it is occupied, we will lose a place that is not just land but part of our last rites and memories.”

When contacted, Mona admitted that the site was historically used for ritual washing but denied allegations of unlawful occupation. He refused further comment.

Official Response

District Commissioner Raihan Kabir stated that he was previously unaware of the matter and promised to investigate. He emphasised that government land cannot be legally occupied or sold. Siddhirganj Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge confirmed receipt of a formal complaint and assigned an officer to conduct an investigation.

This incident highlights growing concerns over the encroachment of historically and culturally significant sites in urban areas, raising questions about governance, community rights, and enforcement of land use regulations.