A section of a Liberation War killing ground near Shayestaganj Railway Station in Habiganj was allegedly filled with earth and fenced by a local political figure, triggering anger among families of freedom fighters and calls for administrative intervention.
Local residents say the site, located beside the railway station in Shayestaganj, has long been recognised as a killing ground associated with the 1971 Liberation War where commemorative programmes have been held since independence.
According to locals, the controversy began on 24 February when Baghnipara resident Jamaat-e-Islami activist Maksud Ali and his son former Shayestaganj Upazila Jubo Dal organising secretary Lutfur Rahman filled a portion of the land with soil and erected a bamboo fence around it.
The move quickly drew criticism from residents and members of the freedom fighter community, who say the area forms part of a historic site linked to the Liberation War.
“The killing ground carries the memory of the Liberation War and programmes have been held there since independence,” said freedom fighter Mohammad Hossain.
“We suddenly saw part of the land filled with soil and fenced with bamboo,” he said.
“We will not accept the occupation and will launch a movement if necessary,” he added.
Habiganj District Muktijoddha Sangsad Member Secretary Humayun Kabir said documents exist recognising the area as a killing ground and urged the administration to remove the alleged encroachment.
“We have records identifying the place as a killing ground and request the administration to intervene quickly to evict the occupiers,” he said.
However, Lutfur Rahman rejected the allegation of land grabbing and claimed the land legally belongs to his family.
“We have fenced only two decimals of land that we obtained through an official settlement from the railway authorities in 1989,” he said.
“This is our land and we have valid documents,” he added.
Habiganj District Muktijoddha Sangsad Command convenor freedom fighter Golam Mostafa Rafiq said steps were being taken to remove those attempting to occupy the site.
“I have informed the central committee and the district administration about the matter and the encroachers will be removed,” he said.
Shayestaganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nahid Hossain said both sides have claimed to possess documents supporting their positions.
“We have spoken to the freedom fighters and the accused individuals,” he said.
“Both parties claim they have documents, and we are examining the papers to resolve the issue,” he added.
