BNP’s Environment Secretary Chased While Attempting to Dig Pond by Grabbing Hindu Land; 5 Injured

Local Correspondent

An incident in Ghoragachhi Hindu Para of Shilmaria Union in Puthia upazila of Rajshahi has once again become a topic of discussion.

Allegations have surfaced that a powerful BNP leader forcibly occupied land belonging to several Hindu farmers and attempted to dig a pond there. During the clash that ensued on Friday night, several people were injured, as confirmed by local police.

The main accused in the incident is Abul Kalam, former secretary of forest and environment affairs of Dupchanchia upazila BNP. He is currently vying to become president of Nowpara Union BNP.

Victims allege that Kalam and his associates not only grabbed land but also intimidated some Hindu families into signing deeds. Those who refused had their lands forcibly occupied, with attempts made to commence excavation.

A local landowner revealed that the lands were initially transferred in the name of Sanjib Doctor, a local Awami League volunteer leader, before BNP leader Abul Kalam leased them in his own name for 10 years.

However, locals claim that while the lease covered 5-7 bighas, nearly 20 bighas were forcibly occupied under threat of arms.

Kabir Hossain, Officer-in-Charge (Acting) of Puthia Police Station, stated that Abul Kalam’s men began excavation work with an excavator around 11 PM Friday. When local farmers resisted, the excavators chased them. Subsequently, activists of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal further escalated tensions.

Villagers collectively chased away the excavators, who then fled the area. The excavator was vandalized, and several locally made weapons were recovered from the scene. Tensions remain high, with police increasing patrols in the area.

Puthia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) AKM Nur Hossain Nizhar clarified: “No permission has been granted for pond excavation in Puthia. Regular drives are being conducted against illegal excavators.” He confirmed Abul Kalam’s claims of administrative approval were completely baseless.

Abul Kalam denied all allegations, claiming: “I applied to the district administration for pond excavation and requested the upazila administration to take action.” However, the UNO’s statement contradicts this claim.

Making another startling claim, the BNP leader alleged: “Krishak Dal leader Abu Asad demanded extortion money from me. When I refused, they vandalized my excavator and assaulted the driver.”

The incident has raised fresh questions about BNP’s role. The allegation of a party leader grabbing minority Hindu land for personal gain is extremely serious. Despite lacking power, such intimidation and land grabbing proves local BNP leaders are resorting to terror tactics to mask political weakness.

Analysts warn that if leaders of a major political party engage in minority land grabbing, one can easily imagine what kind of oppressive policies they might implement if they come to power.

Five people involved in the pond excavation were injured in the clashes. Among them, Shaon, Rabiul, Mostafizur, and excavator driver Rokib are undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

BNP Cannot Evade Responsibility
The illegal land grabbing, attacks on minorities, and armed excavators collectively constitute clear violations of law. The midnight excavation attempt, bypassing administration and public scrutiny, also raises questions about BNP’s organizational ethics and political values. Locals demand exemplary action against BNP and its leaders involved.

Local residents assert: “We want rule of law, not land politics. Party affiliation doesn’t matter – attacks on minorities won’t be tolerated.”