Dhaka’s Keraniganj has come under scrutiny following allegations that several local leaders and activists linked to the BNP and Jubo Dal demanded money from shop owners by using the names of the upazila executive officer and assistant commissioner (land).
The alleged demands were reportedly made in connection with ongoing excavation and cleaning work at the Dighirpar canal in the Bhagna Hijlatala area. Shop owners operating along both sides of the canal claim they were threatened with eviction and told that payments could help protect their businesses from possible action by the administration.
According to local residents and affected traders, the names of Kalindi Union BNP leader Liton Dhali, Jahid and local Jubo Dal leader Sobuj have emerged in connection with the allegations. Several shop owners reportedly said they were told that money was required to communicate with, or influence, the relevant administrative officials and prevent their shops from being removed.
One shop owner, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that he was asked for Tk 1.5 million. He was reportedly told that the money would be needed to ‘manage’ the administration and that his shop would not be demolished if the amount was paid. He also claimed that he was warned that failure to pay within a specified period could result in administrative action against his business.
Another shop owner alleged that Tk 50,000 had been collected from him on the pretext of cleaning the area beside the canal. After he learnt that the cleaning operation was actually being carried out as part of the government initiative, the matter became known locally and the money was subsequently returned, according to his account.
A separate allegation involves another trader who reportedly paid Tk 90,000. Information from a related conversation suggests that a larger amount had initially been demanded. The amount was later reduced after the shop owner said he was unable to afford the original demand, according to the allegation.
Local residents said the reported demands were not confined to one or two businesses. Several other shop owners along the canal were allegedly approached for different amounts of money. Depending on the location and nature of the business, some were reportedly asked for Tk 100,000, while others were allegedly asked for as much as Tk 150,000.
The allegations have been denied by Liton Dhali. He claimed that the accusations against him were being circulated deliberately because of local political rivalry. Jahid also denied any involvement in collecting money from shop owners.
Sobuj, however, reportedly acknowledged that money had been collected. According to his account, the payments were taken from several people at the direction of a local political leader and were later returned. He declined to disclose the identity of the leader who allegedly gave the instruction.
The controversy has emerged as government authorities continue work to excavate and clean the Dighirpar canal. Such operations can affect structures and businesses occupying or extending into canal land, making the issue particularly sensitive for traders whose shops are located close to the waterway.
Local residents have called for a proper investigation to determine whether political identities or the names of government officials were used to pressure shop owners into making payments. They have also stressed that any individual found to have collected money unlawfully should be held accountable, regardless of political affiliation.
Keraniganj Upazila Executive Officer Umar Faruk said the matter would be discussed with Dhaka-2 constituency lawmaker Aman Ullah Aman before necessary steps are taken. He said that if an investigation establishes the allegations, strict action will be taken against those responsible.
The central issue now is whether anyone used the names of government officials to obtain money from traders under the guise of preventing eviction. Establishing the facts will require verification of the shop owners’ allegations, any evidence relating to the payments, the circumstances in which money was allegedly collected and returned, and the statements of those accused.
As the canal excavation and cleaning work continues, the investigation will also be significant in ensuring that legitimate government operations are not exploited as a means of intimidating or financially pressuring local businesses.
