A group of local youths has allegedly attempted to take control of the Shriramkathi-Bharatkathi ferry terminal in Pirojpur’s Nazirpur Upazila, which was allocated for the welfare of disabled, destitute and unemployed freedom fighters.
Sahaedul Islam, the toll collector of the terminal, has filed a written complaint with Nazirpur Police Station, alleging that the group used political influence to forcibly take over the terminal and collect tolls.
The ferry terminal serves as a vital route for thousands of people travelling daily between Nazirpur and Nesarabad upazilas.
According to the complaint, around 20-25 people, including Fahim, member secretary of the Shriramkathi Business Association, local BNP leader Rafiqul Islam, his brother and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activist Shafiqul Islam, Jubo Dal leader Masum, and Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal activists Milton and Arif, allegedly seized control of the terminal a few days ago and began collecting tolls.
Sahaedul alleged that the individuals were followers of district BNP convener Nazrul Islam Khan.
He further alleged that the group had previously attempted to take control of the terminal and demanded money from him. After he informed Nazirpur Police Station, the officer-in-charge summoned the accused and warned them not to collect tolls from the terminal.
Sahaedul has been working as the toll collector at the terminal for the past 10-12 years. This year, he was again appointed by the Pirojpur Disabled, Destitute and Unemployed Freedom Fighters Cooperative Society Ltd to collect tolls from the terminal.
Guarekha Union BNP President Md Mojibur Rahman said using the BNP’s name for extortion or “occupation business” would damage the party’s reputation.
Expressing concern over the alleged takeover attempt, Md Jahangir Alam, president of the Pirojpur Disabled, Destitute and Unemployed Freedom Fighters Cooperative Society Ltd, said the organisation had appointed workers to collect tolls from the terminal to support disadvantaged freedom fighters.
“After the new government came to power, some people using political identities attempted to seize the terminal twice, but failed. However, they have not stopped trying,” he said.
Jahangir added that they were now worried about the regular collection of tolls from the terminal.
When contacted, Fahim and several others named in the complaint declined to comment on the allegations.
District BNP Convener Md Nazrul Islam Khan said the accused had approached him regarding the terminal. “As the terminal is owned by the district council, I advised them to contact the administrator concerned,” he said.
Nazirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Tarikul Islam said the accused had been called to the police station and warned. “If any further complaints are received, strict legal action will be taken against them,” he added.
