20 acre lands of tribesmen grabbed in Khagrachhari

Source from-http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=25688
Haque's two sons are leaders of Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal
Our Correspondent, Khagrachhari

A structure on the land that MA Hoque (inset) allegedly grabbed from Chailaprue Marma during the tenure of last BNP-Jamaat government. Photo: STAR
Aminul Haque's two sons are leaders of BNP fronts-- Jubo Dal and Chhata Dal. He allegedly grabbed about 20 acre lands of indigenous people in Ganjapara union in Khagrachhari during the past alliance government.

Aminul is a resident of Mohazonpara Narikel Bagun area in the Sadar upazila. His son Bahadur Alam alias Bahar is Khagrachhari Jubo Dal vice-president and the other-- Shahidul Hoqueis a cadre of district Chatra Dal, the victims said.

The lands grabbed by Aminul Haque earlier belonged to some 10 indigenous families in Ganjapara, according to Golabari Union Parishad Chairman Chaila Prue Marma and some other sources.

While talking to this correspondent, some of the victims complained that Aminul grabbed most of the lands by using political clout during the rule of four-party alliance government. They were helpless as sections of unscrupulous officials and political leaders connived with the land grabber who also threatened of muscle power, they said.

They said they went to authorities concerned for legal action but they were 'harassed by some officials and local political leaders', they claimed.

“I went to the court of First Class Magistrate on August 8 last year to seek legal action. The then magistrate ordered police to investigate the matters and record a case”, Golabari UP Chairman Chailapru Marma told this correspondent yesterday.

“But have not yet investigated the matter, let alone filing of case”, he said.

Sub-Inspector Rafiq, who was asked to probe the allegations have done nothing so far, he said. “Rather, he has very good relations with the grabber”, Chailapru Marma said.

He said he also submitted a complaint to joint forces in December last year to take steps for return of the grabbed lands.

Chaindi Aung Marma, 61, of Ganjapara area alleged that Haque grabbed about two acre lands of her family by making fake document.

“He (Haque) leased the land for two years for a brick field from my brother Mrasathowai Marma. After my brother died, he declined to return the land, saying my brother sold the land”, she said.

Chaindi filed a case with the civil judge's court.

Anil Chakma of Perachhara Darmapur area claimed that Haque grabbed about one acre of his land. He moved police stations but to no effect, he claimed.

The victims also include Satho Aung Marma, Neeaung Marma and Lali Marma alais Lal Buri, who alleged that Haque grabbed about 10 acres of their land by using the then ruling party cadres and forged documents.

Some Bangalee people also alleged that was tried to grab their lands.

The victims alleged that Haque enjoyed the blessings of Khagrachhari municipality chairman and district BNP secretary Joynal Abedin, among others.

Joynal Abedin, a close aide to former lawmaker Wadud Bhuiyan, is also advisor to the Parbattya Chattagram Samo Adhiker Andolon (PCSAA), a forum of Bangla speaking people in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

While contacted, Hoque said he has all legal documents on the lands but he could not show any paper. He however admitted that he is facing some cases regarding land.

Assistant Police Superintendent (ASP) Mohammad Tareq Ahmed, when contacted, said police has nothing to do till case is filed. He however said he will look into the matter.

When contacted, Joynal Abedin denied his involvement with Haque in land grabbing.