An application to file a case alleging corruption, abuse of power, illegal occupation of government and Waqf property, extortion, and misappropriation of funds was submitted to Chittagong District and Sessions Judge Court on Thursday.
The application targets 25 persons. These include former and current upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) of Lohagara upazila in Chattogram. Md Shahjahan, a resident of Lohagara upazila, filed the application.
Mohammad Helal Uddin, lawyer for the complainant, confirmed the filing. He said the court accepted the application and fixed 17 November for a hearing on its admissibility. He added that the court will issue an order on the matter on the scheduled day.
The place of occurrence specified in the application covers several areas under Sadar Union of Lohagara Police Station. These include Ahmadur Rahman Waqf Estate in Sarkarpara, Darbeshhat, and Eidgah field.
The accused named in the application are Jannat Ara Begum; Md Bayezid Bin Akhand, current upazila nirbahi officer of Lohagara; Ahsan Habib Jitu, former UNO; Ifrad Bin Munir, former upazila engineer; Nasir Ahsan Zakir, upazila project implementation officer; and Abu Bakar, headmaster of Lohagara Shahpir Pilot High School.
Other named accused are Ashraful, Didarul Alam, Kamal, Manik, Shawkat Hossain, Shamsu, Mohiuddin Bhuttu, Abu Taher, Mofaccel, Anik alias Mehedi, Jahangir, and Shah Alam.
The application details widespread irregularities and corruption across Lohagara upazila.
It alleges that an organised syndicate concealed information to systematically occupy property belonging to Ahmadur Rahman Waqf Estate illegally. The complainant alleged that Jannat Ara Begum and the current upazila nirbahi officer assisted in this illegal occupation.
According to the allegations, unidentified individuals and members of the syndicate are conducting anti-social activities on the grabbed property.
These activities include gambling, alcohol consumption, and dance performances. Extortion and anti-state activities were also alleged at the site.
The application points out that in October, an interim market committee was formed at Darbeshhat market by the upazila nirbahi officer. Money is being extorted through this committee from local shopkeepers, autorickshaw drivers, and market lessees.
Daily extortion was also alleged from various individuals and vehicle owners. This was reportedly done by constructing shops on both sides of Arakan Highway and creating illegal parking spaces at various locations.
Moreover, the application alleges that property belonging to Ahmadur Rahman Waqf Mosque was sold using forged documents. The complainant claimed this resulted in the misappropriation of Tk20 crore to Tk25 crore.
The application also alleged that a cattle market was established on mosque land to collect extortion money.
When contacted by phone regarding the allegations, accused UNO Bayezid Bin Akhand did not answer the call.
