Several victims have leveled serious allegations against Md. Alamgir, a nazirclerk/official) at the Ukhiya Upazila Land Office in Cox’s Bazar, accusing him of accepting bribes, abusing his authority, and harassing service seekers. According to them, he collects large sums of money—amounting to lakhs of taka—by promising expedited services for land-related matters, such as namjari (mutation of land records), the resolution of mis cases (miscellaneous administrative land cases), and the creation of khatian (land record documents).
They further allege that he invokes the name of the Assistant Commissioner (Land)—commonly known as the AC (Land)—to facilitate these demands and deliberately conceals critical official documents.
Victims claim that if the requested payments are not made, files are held up indefinitely. In some instances, individuals are harassed through the creation of fraudulent land records linked to property belonging to others.
According to the information provided, the costs demanded include: 20,000 to 50,000 taka for the resolution of mis cases (purportedly for the AC (Land)); 50,000 to 100,000 taka for the approval of each namjari case; and 50,000 to 200,000 taka for tasks such as the creation of khatian documents—even in defiance of court injunctions. Some victims also reported having to pay between 100,000 and 500,000 taka for services related to land in the commercially significant Inani mouza (administrative land unit). They assert that no receipts are ever issued for these payments.
Questions Regarding the Nazir’s Influence over the AC (Land): Some service seekers state that the influence and domineering presence of nazir Alamgir have made it difficult to obtain routine services at the land office. They question whether Alamgir is merely a subordinate employee of the AC (Land), or if the AC (Land) is, in fact, under his influence—a distinction that is often hard to discern.
According to several sources, Alamgir openly claims that the AC (Land) acts according to his instructions and cannot make decisions without his counsel. He has also allegedly boasted about his role in orchestrating the transfer of Abu Abdullah to Ukhiya from the Bandarban District Administration office. Sources claim that Alamgir has publicly mentioned securing this transfer through the intervention of a BNP leader and the expenditure of a substantial sum of money. These claims regarding his influence over the Assistant Commissioner (Land)—AC (Land)—could not be independently verified.
Allegations of exerting influence through political connections: According to relevant sources, Nazir Md. Alamgir is a former leader of the Chhatra League and a close associate of Saimum Sarwar Komol, a former Member of Parliament and former Whip of the National Parliament. Sources indicate that it was through Komol’s recommendation that Alamgir secured his government position. It is also alleged that during his previous tenure at the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Land Office, he leveraged political influence to engage in irregularities and corruption.
On April 28 of this year, Alamgir was transferred from the Sadar Upazila Land Office to the Ukhiya Land Office. Victims claim that he continues to exert influence and extort money in his new workplace. They further allege that he is currently attempting to wield influence by claiming close ties to leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
According to those affected, Alamgir—whose home is in Mondalpara, Ramu Upazila—uses the fact that he hails from the same area as former Whip Saimum Sarwar Komol to intimidate land office staff. They allege that he has threatened to retaliate against any staff members who do not comply with his demands, claiming that he will do so once Sheikh Hasina returns to the country. Furthermore, they report that he threatens to have staff transferred by asserting that he is close to several senior BNP leaders in Cox’s Bazar district, as well as in Ramu and Ukhiya Upazilas.
Victims believe that other officials and staff members are also complicit in the irregularities and bribery occurring within the land office. Some have even claimed that the situation has deteriorated further since the current government assumed power.
Irregularities at the Sadar Land Office: Sources allege that during his time at the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Land Office, Alamgir was accused of engaging in irregularities and extorting money by invoking the name of the AC (Land). According to these sources, the Deputy Commissioner transferred him from the Sadar Land Office to the Ukhiya Land Office following an investigation that substantiated these allegations. However, no official documentation or detailed statement from the district administration regarding this matter could be obtained.
Statement from a student coordinator: District student coordinator Shahidul Wahid Shahed stated that Nazir Alamgir is a former Chhatra League leader. He claims that he secured his position at the land office through the recommendation of Saimum Sarwar Komol—a former Member of Parliament and Whip—who is accused of involvement in the killing of students during the events of July and August. It is also alleged that irregularities and corruption at the Sadar and Ukhia Upazila land offices have increased since Alamgir joined.
Shahed stated that it is imperative to put an end to the harassment of service seekers at the land office, investigate the instances of corruption, and take action against those responsible.
Response from authorities: Multiple attempts to reach the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of the Ukhia Upazila land office via mobile phone were unsuccessful. Consequently, it was not possible to obtain his comments regarding the allegations leveled against Nazir (clerk/official) Alamgir.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Cox’s Bazar remarked, “I have just been informed about the irregularities at the Ukhia Upazila land office. An investigation will be conducted, and action will be taken in accordance with the rules.”
Meanwhile, affected landowners have demanded an impartial investigation into the irregularities and bribery at the Ukhia land office, as well as legal action against those responsible. They have also called for intervention from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the relevant administrative authorities.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Special Correspondent, Cox’s Bazar • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
