Land Dispute Sparks Tension in Rupganj, Police Halt Construction

A dispute over a 17-decimal plot of land in Rupganj, Narayanganj, has triggered tension after allegations emerged against former senior vice-president of the Narayanganj district Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) Sultan Mahmud for attempting to occupy the land forcibly and construct a boundary wall.

The incident took place on Tuesday (14 July) in the Kajirtek area under Daudpur Union of Rupganj. Police rushed to the spot after the situation became tense between two groups and stopped the construction work in an effort to prevent further escalation.

According to the complaint, the disputed land is located in the Baro Amdia mouza of Daudpur Union. Ali Newaz, who claims ownership of the 17-decimal property, alleged that Sultan Mahmud, on behalf of a person named Helal, arrived at the site with several people and began constructing a boundary wall without resolving the ownership dispute.

The situation reportedly turned heated when people associated with Ali Newaz objected to the construction. A confrontation appeared imminent as both sides took opposing positions over possession of the land. Local residents said panic spread in the area due to the growing tension, prompting police intervention.

Witnesses claimed that although police initially instructed those involved to stop the work, there was an attempt to continue the construction. Later, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police (C Circle) of Narayanganj district, Mehedi Islam, arrived at the scene and ordered that the construction be halted.

Sultan Mahmud denied the allegations of forced occupation. He said Helal was his relative and had purchased the land around 10 years ago but had been unable to take possession of it. According to him, Helal sought his assistance to take control of the property, and he only helped him in that process.

“There was no attempt to occupy anyone’s land forcibly. I only assisted Helal, who is the rightful buyer of the property, in taking possession,” Sultan Mahmud said.

Helal, who claims ownership of the land, also said over the phone that he had purchased the property and sought Sultan Mahmud’s assistance to build a boundary wall there.

However, the opposing side maintained that the ownership dispute remains unresolved and alleged that construction work was started by exerting influence rather than through a legal process.

Speaking about the incident, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Mehedi Islam said police went to the area after receiving information about a confrontation between two groups over the land. He said the situation was brought under control and both sides had been instructed to stop all activities on the disputed property for the time being.

“The matter is being handled through discussions between the parties. Both sides have been asked to maintain peace until a resolution is reached,” he said.

Local residents said land-related disputes have frequently become a source of tension in different areas, often leading to conflicts between opposing parties. They urged authorities to ensure that such disputes are resolved through proper legal procedures rather than confrontations on the ground.