Allegations have surfaced against Kabir Hossain and his associates for constructing boundary wall pillars by illegally occupying reserved forest land and properties belonging to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) in the Manikpur area of Chakaria upazila, Cox's Bazar. This unauthorized construction, carried out without demarcating government property boundaries or obtaining approval from relevant authorities, has sparked concern among local conscious citizens.
Concurrently, questions have been raised regarding whether dishonesty, financial transactions, or illicit benefits involving corrupt officials and employees facilitated the construction of boundary walls on public land. However, independent investigations are necessary to verify the veracity of such financial transaction allegations.
Forest Department Assurance of Action
Cox's Bazar North Forest Division Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Maruf Hossain stated that the concerned Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) and Range Officer will be dispatched to examine the matter, and necessary actions will be taken. Manikpur Forest Beat Officer Liton Singha remarked, "We are aware of the matter. Very soon, the reserved forest land will be measured, and boundary wall pillars constructed on forest department land will be addressed."
RHD Assurance of Legal Steps to Recover Land
Chakaria Roads and Highways Department Assistant Engineer Abu Hanif stated that prompt legal steps will be initiated regarding the issue. He noted that even if RHD land remains vacant, individuals or influential quarters do not possess the right to occupy or use it at will. Initiatives will also be undertaken to construct boundary walls along front sections to protect public land, he added.
Accused Admits Constructing Pillars Finding Government Land Vacant
When questioned about the allegations, Kabir Hossain admitted that he constructed boundary wall pillars because the government land was lying vacant. He added that if the government requires the land, he will relinquish it.
However, the mere fact that government land lies vacant does not automatically grant any individual the right to occupy, use, or construct structures upon it. True ownership, the legality of possession, and approvals for structural construction must be verified through official government documents and on-site investigations.
Demands for Impartial Investigation into Public Land Encroachment and Corruption
Fazlul Kader Chowdhury, President of the environmental and climate civic organization "Poribesh Rokkhay Amra" (DHORA) and Cox's Bazar District Press Club, stated that allegations persist regarding corrupt and irresponsible government officials and employees creating opportunities for public property encroachment through illicit benefits. He strongly demanded a thorough investigation of such allegations to identify culprits and initiate legal action against them.
Demands to Investigate and Punish the Culprits
Conscious circles have demanded that the relevant authorities urgently conduct a joint on-site investigation into the illegal occupation of reserved forest and roads department land in Manikpur. The true situation must be ascertained by examining government maps, land records, boundary demarcation documents, and structural construction approvals.
Should investigations prove illegal occupation of public land, unauthorized construction, or irregularities in the discharge of official duties, necessary measures must be enforced against responsible individuals and authorities under prevailing laws. Concurrently, demands have been raised to evict illegal occupants following legal procedures, recover public land, and implement effective steps to prevent future re-occupation.
Conscientious citizens believe that proactive legal roles played by the Forest Department, Roads and Highways Department, local administration, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are now crucial to safeguarding public property and ensuring public interest.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Cox's Bazar Correspondent : • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
