In Alekhyang Mouza, an attempt to occupy land by installing signboards on trees in the name of an association on two thousand acres of Khas land.

Daily Bijoy News, Naikhongchhari (Bandarban) Correspondent:

Allegations have emerged in Alekhyang Mouza, Ward No. 3 of Baishari Union, Naikhongchhari Upazila, Bandarban, that an attempt is being made to occupy two thousand acres of barren Khas (government) land by putting up signboards in the name of an association on tree after tree. In protest of this incident, hundreds of hill people and Bengalis held a meeting on Wednesday afternoon, October 29, at Alekhyang Headman Para, voicing strong opposition.

Karbari Manjoy Marma of Alekhyang Mouza, Karbari Bishomon Tripura of Tripura Para, Selim, a resident of Ward No. 3, former member Panna, and community leader Mujibur Rahman, among others, reported that hundreds of individuals, including Abdur Rashid, a resident of Koraliyamura area of Baishari Union, Maulana Azim, and Abu Siddiq, a resident of Holudia Shia area, are continuing their attempt to occupy the two thousand acres of government-owned barren Khas land by hanging a signboard in the name of an association called 'Koraliyamura Agro Farm'. They are putting up signboards in various parts of the forest, spreading fear among the local residents. They further alleged that Abul Hosshen Prakash and Sadar, residents of the Alekhyang area, are providing overall assistance in this land grabbing effort.

Regarding this matter, Headman Mongthoailai Marma of Alekhyang Mouza No. 280 said that as soon as he learned about the land occupation attempt, he informed the Naikhongchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the AC Land. On this issue, Abdur Rashid, President of Koraliyamura Agro Farm Association, Advisor and former Chairman Jalal Ahmed, and Vice President Abu Siddiq stated, "We have put up signboards on two thousand acres of Khas land. We have been in possession of this land for a long time and have not occupied anyone else's land."

Over a hundred affected people, comprising both hill people and Bengalis from the Alekhyang area, informed journalists, "We have been occupying these lands for a long time, cultivating crops, various fruit orchards, and practicing Jhum cultivation to make a living." Furthermore, an affected person, Abdul Qaiyum, stated, "We, 280 landless families, have been in possession for a long time according to the Headman's report. But we are stunned by the sudden attempt to occupy the land by putting up signboards in the name of Koraliyamura Agro Farm association."

The victims stated that they would submit a written complaint to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer regarding the matter. They demanded that the higher authorities of the administration take immediate action against the land grabbers.

Daily Bijoy News / M Habibur Rahman Roni