Shechwashebak League leader builds shop on govt land

A total of 25 tin shed shops have been constructed on government land just beside the main road in Khejurtek area of Ashulia. A local Shechwashebok League leader is collecting rent from those shops.

Khejurkata Bazar is just beside Khejurkata-Ghorapir Mazar road, just one and a half kilometers from Ashulia’s Beltala area. The shops are constructed on the road along the wall of a factory in the area. The shops are 40 to 50 square feet each.

According to the local residents and businessmen, local Pathalia union Shechwashebak League president Mosharraf Hossain have rented out the shops after constructing them two years ago. The banner declaring it ‘Bangabandhu Hawkers Market’ was placed in front of the market immediately after construction.

One of the shop owners of the market, Moslem Uddin, said he took the shop on rent for Tk 1400 per month, with a deposit of Tk 5,000.

The hotel owner beside Moslem Uddin’s shop, Khawaza Mia said he took the shop on rent for Tk 1200 per month. Two men-Sohel and Mizan-come every month to collect the rent, he added. Both Sohel and Mizan are known to be close associates of Mosharraf.

Swadhin Islam owns a betel leaf shop in the market. He pays rent of Tk 800 per month and deposited Tk 5,000 for the shop.

Easybike driver M Hannan said the shops on the road create problems for vehicles and traffic congestion in the area especially in the morning when the market is busy.

Speaking with Prothon Alo, Pathalia union Shechwashebak League president Mosharraf Hossain said this was his inherited property.

‘I named the market after Bangabandhu’s name as I am a party man. The shop rent is used to rehabilitate the party men,” he said.

However, a number of locals said Mosharraf and his family do not own any land in the area.

Dhaka Shechwashebak League (North) general secretary Sayem Molla said the party will take strict action against the accused if found acquiring government land illegally in the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Savar upazila Nirbahi officer (UNO) Abu Naser Beg said, “I also heard such complaints. Action will be taken after investigation.”