Keraniganj Residents Fear Land Grabs, Extortion Claims Persist

Residents of Doleswar in Konda Union, Keraniganj, say they continue to live with fear and uncertainty months after allegations emerged against several individuals reportedly linked to BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami over alleged land grabbing, control of business establishments and extortion.

According to local residents, the alleged incidents began after the political shift on 5 August 2024 and have continued in various forms. They claim that Simon and Tanvir, both described locally as Jubo Dal leaders, along with Bappi and Ruman, identified as a BNP leader, have been involved in attempts to seize land, take control of businesses by force and collect extortion. The allegations could not be independently verified, and the accused individuals’ responses were not available in the information provided.

Simon, the son of Niamat Ullah of Doleswar village, faces several allegations, including what locals describe as the manipulation of legal cases for financial gain, intimidation, forcible occupation of land and extortion. Several residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that he has sought to strengthen his influence by presenting himself at different times as a Jubo Dal leader, a close associate of senior BNP figures or a coordinator. There are also allegations that he has threatened individuals connected with the local administration, although these claims have not been independently confirmed.

Tanvir, a resident of Doleswar West Para, has also been accused by locals of leading alleged looting and intimidation in Wards 1, 2 and 3 of Konda Union from the afternoon of 5 August 2024. Residents claim that similar activities have continued in the months since then, contributing to a growing sense of insecurity in the area.

Ruman, son of the late Kader Mia of Doleswar Madhyapara, is also accused by residents of returning to Bangladesh after spending a prolonged period abroad and subsequently attempting to establish influence in the locality. Locals allege that he has since been involved in land disputes, extortion and harassment of ordinary residents. These allegations, too, remain unverified.

One of the most prominent allegations concerns a market located near the Buriganga river in Konda Union. According to local sources, a group allegedly attempted to take control of a market owned by Khairuzzaman Raja Mia several months ago. The alleged occupiers reportedly put up a signboard claiming control of the property.

A video of the incident subsequently circulated widely on social media, according to local sources. The footage allegedly showed several people chanting religious slogans after the signboard was installed. The signboard reportedly stated that possession had been taken over on behalf of the heirs of Sheikh Rannu Majhi, also referred to as Rannu Bepari’s heirs. Local sources alleged that Simon, Tanvir, Bappi and Ruman were directly involved in the operation. However, the ownership dispute and the circumstances surrounding the alleged takeover would require independent investigation and legal verification.

Another individual named by local residents is Dipu, a resident of Doleswar Kasaibari who is described as the local president of the Sramik Dal. Residents have accused him of involvement in alleged land grabbing, the illegal drug trade and control over waste-related business activities in the Bashundhara area. They further allege that he has used these activities to build influence and operate a powerful local network. No independent evidence confirming these allegations was provided.

The continuing allegations have raised concerns about the safety of residents and the security of property in the area. Local people claim that no satisfactory investigation or effective remedy has followed despite months having passed since the allegations first surfaced. Some residents fear that political protection could encourage further incidents of land grabbing and extortion if the matter is not addressed.

Residents are now calling for prompt administrative intervention and an impartial investigation into all the allegations. They want the authorities to establish the facts, protect those who may have been affected and take legal action against anyone found responsible. At the same time, a transparent investigation would also be necessary to ensure that individuals are not wrongly accused and that any action taken is based on verified evidence rather than political affiliation or local rivalry.

For the people of Doleswar, the issue has become more than a dispute over individual properties or businesses. It has raised wider concerns about personal security, property rights and the ability of ordinary residents to seek justice when powerful local interests are involved. Until the allegations are properly investigated and resolved through lawful means, residents say uncertainty and fear are likely to remain.