A government-owned jute procurement centre in Bhangura, Pabna, has allegedly been occupied by influential individuals after remaining closed for decades.
Located beside the Boral Bridge Railway Station, the procurement centre once served as a key trading hub for jute farmers across the Chalan Beel region. However, operations ceased in the late 1990s following the decline of state-owned jute mills.
According to residents, the 3.55-acre property of the Bangladesh Jute Corporation (BJC) has remained largely unprotected for years, allowing encroachment and unauthorised construction. Residents allege that portions of the land have been sold multiple times, while houses built on the occupied plots are being rented out.
A widow, Achia Khatun, said she has been living for four years in a rented house built on the disputed land, paying Tk 1,200 per month to the owner.
Several permanent structures now stand on the property, including educational and religious institutions. Among them are Bhangura Model School and College, Miftahul Falah Pre-Cadet Madrasa, a mosque and a temple.
While some occupants deny encroachment, others acknowledge that the land is government-owned and say they would vacate if instructed by authorities.
In 2023, businessman BM Golzar Hossain obtained a legal lease for 2.19 acres of the site from the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. Residents, however, allege that parts of the leased property have been sublet and used for commercial purposes.
Golzar denied allegations of selling land, saying he only operates a livestock farm and has the right to rent out structures under the lease agreement.
Bhangura Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mizanur Rahman said the land remains under the Ministry of Jute, although the district administration holds ownership records. He confirmed that authorities found unauthorised occupations and permanent buildings during inspections and have reported the matter to the ministry.
Bangladesh Jute Corporation Deputy Director Mustafizur Rahman Maksim acknowledged the encroachment and said eviction efforts would be carried out with support from the district administration.
With authorities finally acknowledging the encroachment, residents are now waiting to see whether the long-abandoned government property can be reclaimed from illegal occupiers.
