An allegation has emerged in Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, that several local leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jubo Dal demanded money from shop owners by using the names of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Commissioner (Land).
The alleged demands were made in connection with an ongoing government canal excavation and cleaning programme in the Bhagna Hijlatala area. Shop owners reportedly feared that structures along the canal could be removed as part of the work, and the alleged demand for money was made by exploiting that uncertainty.
The allegations have centred on Liton Dhali, a leader of Kalindi Union BNP, as well as individuals identified as Jahid and local Jubo Dal leader Sobuj. Several shop owners told local sources that they were allegedly asked to pay money to establish contact with administrative officials and prevent their businesses from being removed.
One shop owner, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that he was told Tk1.5 million would be required to ‘manage’ the administration. According to his account, he was assured that his shop would not be demolished if the money was paid. He also claimed that he was warned that the shop could be removed by the administration if the payment was not made within a specified period.
Another shop owner alleged that Tk50,000 had been collected from him on the pretext of cleaning the area beside the canal. He said he later learnt that the cleaning work was already being carried out as part of the government initiative. After the matter became known, the money was reportedly returned to him.
A separate allegation involves Tk90,000 allegedly taken from another shop owner. Information from a related conversation suggests that a larger amount was initially demanded. After the shop owner said he was financially unable to pay that sum, the amount was allegedly reduced to Tk90,000.
Local residents claim that the allegations are not limited to one or two businesses. According to them, several other shop owners along both sides of the canal were also asked to pay varying amounts. Depending on the type and location of the shop, the alleged demands ranged from Tk100,000 to Tk150,000.
The government’s canal excavation and cleaning work has created uncertainty among businesses operating along the waterway, particularly where structures may have encroached on canal land. Such government projects are generally intended to restore waterways, improve drainage and remove obstructions, but the prospect of eviction can also leave affected businesses concerned about their livelihoods.
Liton Dhali has denied the allegations, saying they were being spread against him because of local political disputes. Jahid has also denied any involvement in collecting money from shop owners.
Sobuj, however, reportedly acknowledged receiving money. According to his account, the money was collected from several people following instructions from a local political leader and was subsequently returned. He declined to disclose the identity of the person who allegedly gave the instructions.
A section of the local political community has said that individuals who use political identities to collect money unlawfully should be held responsible for their own actions. Local residents have called for an impartial investigation so that the allegations can be verified and those responsible, if found involved, can be dealt with accordingly.
Keraniganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Umar Faruk said he would discuss the matter with Dhaka-2 lawmaker Aman Ullah Aman before taking the necessary steps. He also said that strict action would be taken if an investigation establishes the allegations.
The central question now is whether anyone actually used the names of government officials to demand money from shop owners in connection with the canal project. The claims made by the alleged victims, any evidence relating to payments, and the statements of those accused will need to be examined before responsibility can be established. Until such verification is completed, the allegations remain claims rather than proven facts.
