15 days after High Court order, locks remain on 28 plots in Sitakunda's Jungle Salimpur as owners protest

In Alinagar in Jungle Salimpur, Sitakunda, Chattogram, no visible initiative has been seen to unlock 28 plots as directed by the court. Fifteen days have passed since the High Court issued its order, but it has not been implemented, leaving the lawful plot owners in difficulty.

The victims allege that, despite the court's clear direction, members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have kept the plots in their possession with locks on them. As a result, they cannot enter their own purchased land or build homes there.

The victims have sought intervention from the highest level of government to implement the court's verdict immediately and ensure their right to enter the land.

The affected plot owners and local residents made the demand at a human chain and protest programme recently organised in the Alinagar area.

Speaking to local residents and plot owners, it was learned that complications over land ownership and possession have continued for a long time in Alinagar in Jungle Salimpur. After a legal fight, a court verdict gave a specific direction to unlock the 28 plots and allow the real owners to enter them. But 15 days have passed and that direction has not been implemented.

The angry plot owners say they acquired ownership of the land through fully lawful deeds. They allege that, by misusing administrative power, they are being obstructed from entering their own land and building homes.

At one stage, the protesters faced police obstruction during the human chain and protest programme demanding speedy implementation of the court's direction. That caused temporary tension in the area.

On receiving the news, Md Rubel, in-charge of the Fowzdarhat police outpost, went to the spot and calmed the situation. He advised the victims to formally inform the offices of the deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police. The protesters suspended their programme after receiving an assurance of cooperation from the administration in following the legal process.

When Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Fakhrul Islam was contacted about the matter, he said he had been on leave and was not aware of the issue. He later advised contacting the assistant commissioner (land).

Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Md Fazle Rabbi was phoned several times, but no response was received from him.