Service seekers at the Ukhia Upazila Land Office report being subjected to harassment when attempting to access various land-related services—such as mutation (record-of-rights updates), miscellaneous cases, tax collection, and the correction of land records.
They allege that, due to collusion between certain officials, staff, and a network of middlemen, those seeking routine services face long delays, while those willing to pay extra can get their work done quickly. In particular, multiple allegations of irregularities, extortion, and undue influence over land records and mutation processes have been leveled against Md. Alamgir Hossain, who serves as the Nazir-cum-Cashier at the land office.
According to the complainants, individuals seeking standard services—such as mutation, miscellaneous cases, tax payments, land surveys, obtaining parchas (official land record extracts), or correcting records—are forced to make repeated visits over the course of months. Even when applicants possess valid land documentation, their files are frequently held up on various pretexts. Conversely, if an applicant reaches out through specific intermediaries and pays an additional sum, the process is expedited.
Allegations also suggest that the Ukhia Land Office has become a site for frequent malpractice: instances include the mutation of the same plot of land in the names of two opposing parties; the creation of multiple khatians (land record entries) based on allegedly forged deeds—despite the claimants having no actual ownership or possession; and the generation of BS (Bangladesh Survey) khatians that inflate the actual size of the land. Victims claim that even after filing miscellaneous cases to seek redress, the true owners fail to obtain the expected resolution.
Locals assert that since Md. Alamgir Hossain assumed the position of Nazir at the Ukhia Land Office on April 28 of this year, there has been an increase in forced land seizures and disputes over land ownership across the Upazila. They allege that the Nazir has played a direct or indirect role in fueling these incidents.
Service seekers further allege that a tahsildar (land revenue official) might submit one report regarding a specific plot of land, khatian, or land parcel during the mutation process, only to provide a completely different report—within just a few days—when a miscellaneous case is filed concerning the same property. It is alleged that Nazir Md. Alamgir exerts influence and pressure on his colleagues to produce such contradictory reports. According to the complainants, files are frequently withheld on the pretext of minor discrepancies during processes such as the preparation of namjari (mutation) records, issuance of DCRs (Duplicate Carbon Receipts), payment of land taxes, filing and resolution of miscellaneous cases, and the correction of official land records. Even when applicants provide valid land documentation, they are repeatedly asked to submit new papers. There are also allegations that extra payments—beyond the prescribed government fees—are extorted, and that applicants are coerced into dealing through intermediaries (brokers).
Relevant sources claim that similar allegations were leveled against Md. Alamgir during his previous tenure at the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Land Office, before he joined the office in Ukhia. It is alleged that his conduct at that time caused significant dissatisfaction among both office staff and service seekers.
Furthermore, it is alleged that money was collected from service seekers by invoking the name of the Assistant Commissioner (Land). Even after his transfer to Ukhia, he has reportedly continued this practice, allegedly presenting himself as the "cashier" for the Assistant Commissioner (Land) to extract money.
Multiple sources indicate that victims have lodged both written and verbal complaints against Nazir (clerk) Md. Alamgir with the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) and the outgoing Assistant Commissioner (Land). However, it remains unclear what, if any, action has been taken regarding these complaints.
The complainants further allege that Md. Alamgir secured his government position through the recommendation of Saimum Sarwar Komol—a former Whip under the previous Awami League government—and that he was formerly a leader in the Chhatra League. They claim that his local connections and influence have prevented higher authorities from taking effective action against him.
In another instance, it is reported that despite formal appeals filed with various offices regarding the mutation of the same plot of land in Ratnapalong mouza (revenue village) of Ukhia Upazila—where ownership was granted to two separate parties—the issue remains unresolved.
Attempts to reach Nazir Md. Alamgir by mobile phone were unsuccessful; consequently, his response to the allegations could not be obtained.
Commenting on the situation, Advocate M. Abdul Mannan, President of the Cox’s Bazar District Bar Association, stated over the phone that a segment of dishonest officials and staff at the Ukhia Land Office are harassing the public in various ways. Corruption in land offices has become a major source of suffering for the general public. The government and the Cox’s Bazar district administration should take strict measures to address this issue.
Panna Akter, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Ukhiya, stated over the phone that instructions have been issued to bar unauthorized middlemen—known locally as dalals—from entering any land office in the upazila. Directives have also been given to conduct mobile courts, if necessary, to eliminate these intermediaries.
However, it remains unclear what specific actions have been taken by the relevant authorities regarding the allegations of irregularities and corruption within these land offices.
Service seekers report that even when they possess all the necessary documentation—such as CS, SA, and RS khatians (land records), title deeds, namjari (mutation) documents, and receipts for land development tax—they still face harassment when attempting to access land-related services.
According to land experts, unless transparency and accountability are ensured within land administration, the suffering of the general public will only intensify. Furthermore, this could lead to an increase in social disputes and litigation concerning land. Land-related cases already take an exceptionally long time to resolve; in many instances, a case may span an entire generation, leaving the next generation to wait for a final verdict.
Consequently, stakeholders are calling for the curbing of corruption at the field level, the dismantling of networks of middlemen, and the initiation of prompt investigations—followed by appropriate disciplinary action—against officials and employees accused of wrongdoing.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Sayeed Mohammed Anwar, Special Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
