Land Dispute in Bharuakhali: Allegations of Extortion Demands and Death Threats

Land Dispute in Bharuakhali: Allegations of Extortion Demands and Death Threats

National Desk :    |    ০৬:১২ পিএম, ২০২৬-০৯-২২

Reported by Shah Ali Bachchu from Jamalpur: Allegations have been raised regarding the dispossession of land—purchased and occupied 33 years ago—along with demands for extortion money and death threats. These allegations are directed against Alkach Ali and his associates from the same area. The incident occurred in the Bharuakhali area of ​​Ghoradhap Union, Jamalpur Sadar Upazila.

An on-site investigation revealed that Mosharraf Hossain Babu (60),son of the late Wahab Ali from Joka village in Ghoradhap Union—is the rightful owner of a 53.5-decimal plot of land in the Kotarbari Mouza (identified by BRS Khatian No. 388 and BRS Plot No. 480) through purchase. The land had originally been acquired by Mizanur Rahman and his associates in 1990 from the owner, Bashir Uddin. Subsequently, in 1993, Mosharraf Hossain Babu purchased the 53.5 decimals of land from Mizanur Rahman via a registered deed (*kabala*). He also completed the mutation process for the land at the Upazila Land Office. Babu had established the "Tin Bhai Auto Rice Mill" on this land 33 years ago; it was the only renowned rice mill in the eastern region of Jamalpur, and he had been operating the business successfully for a long time.

Locals reported that Babu was injured in a tragic road accident in 2023 and underwent a long period of medical treatment while battling for his life. Due to his illness, the "Tin Bhai Auto Rice Mill" remained completely shut down for an extended period, during which time he began residing at his home in Mymensingh. Facing financial losses amounting to lakhs of taka due to the prolonged closure, Babu decided to sell the rice mill. Unable to repay his debts with the proceeds from the mill's sale alone, he decided to sell the mill's land and has already sold a portion of it. A signboard was erected on plot number 480 to advertise the sale of the remaining land. Upon seeing the signboard, certain local miscreants began demanding extortion money at various times. When Mosharraf Hossain Babu visited the area from Mymensingh, a group led by Md. Alkas Ali (son of the late Jalu from the Kotarbari area) intimidated him, threatened his life, and demanded a large sum of money. Failing to extort the money, Alkas Ali and his associates recently vandalized the signboard and erected a bamboo fence on Babu's land. Upon hearing this, Babu returned from Mymensingh and found the fence and signboard destroyed. To portray himself as innocent, Alkas filed a case with the Village Court of Ghoradhap Union Parishad on August 16. A hearing was scheduled for August 22 in response to his application. On that day, Mosharraf Hossain Babu appeared, submitted a written statement, and presented his land documents. After reviewing the arguments and documents from both sides, the Chairman proposed an amicable settlement, but Alkas Ali refused. Subsequently, Alkas Ali obstructed Babu from cultivating the land or tending to the vegetation on it. Left with no other option, Babu appealed to the Chairman again. Notices were issued for both parties to appear on August 30. While Babu was present on that date, Alkas Ali failed to appear before the Village Court; consequently, the case was decided ex parte in Babu's favor. In the verdict, the Chairman ordered that any disobedience of the Village Court's directives would result in legal action under existing laws and regulations. Despite this, Alkas Ali and his associates continue to threaten the lives of Babu and his family members whenever they visit the land for cultivation or sale purposes. Md. Mosharraf Hossain Babu has stated that he intends to seek legal recourse to ensure his personal safety.