N'ganj land owners scheme way to make easy money

A decade ago it was an important road between Danga Bazar and Paikordi of Narsingdi. It was also useful for residents of Narayanganj as part of the road goes through this district. When two bypass roads were built as its alternatives, this one fell almost to disuse. So, neither authorities nor locals cared much about the road and its adjoining land.

But a recent initiative of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) to widen the road into four lanes has piqued the interest of locals, and swung some of them -- eyeing a bigger slice of compensation -- into action.

At least 10 structures were built in Narayanganj in less than two months after announcement of the road widening. Rupganj land officials said because of the structures, the land owners would pocket a compensation around three to four times higher than the one having no structure.

When the matter came to notice of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), they sent a team to the spot on October 14. The three-member team, led by ACC's Director General (Admin) Mohammad Munir Chowdhury, found that influential locals are constructing buildings to received extra compensation.

The government has allocated Tk 1,365 crore for the road widening work.

“For 10 to 12 years, the road was in a sorry state. Three to four months ago, RHD announced that the adjacent land of the road will be acquired to widen it to four lanes,” said local resident Al-Amin.

“Soon after, people started constructing buildings. They have already erected five to six buildings in the last month and a half,” he said, adding that labourers are seen working day and night.

Construction of 10 establishments, including three-storey, two-storey, and one-storey buildings are going on in full swing in the half-kilometre stretch of the 20km road, reports our local correspondent. There was no building other than ponds and paddy fields along the road earlier, said locals.

Two buildings are being erected by Chairman of Bholab Union Parishad Alamgir Hossain. Councillor of ward no 1 Md Sharif, his brother Maksud and local Awami League leader Azharul Islam are constructing two buildings. The rest are being built by local businessmen.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Rupganj Md Asaduzzaman said locals were constructing the buildings swiftly with low quality construction materials. “A quarter is eyeing extra compensation,” he said. “For such construction, usually six to eight rods are used for a pillar but they are using only three to four rods.”

Asked, AL leader Azharul declined to comment and requested the correspondent not to publish any report.

UP Chairman Alamgir said he is constructing a factory there. “We've heard for a long time that the road will be widened, but are yet to get any notice,” he claimed, adding that he would demolish it if needed.

Echoing Alamgir, councillor Sharif said his brother constructed the two-storey building for a factory. “I won't raise any objections if the government demolishes it without giving any compensation,” he said.

Executive Engineer of RHD's Narsingdi office Md Moniruzzaman said they are yet to begin land acquisition, and the deputy commissioner's (DC) office will decide the amount.

Land official Asaduzzaman said they will submit a report to the DC, so that these people cannot get any extra compensation.

In a press release issued on October 14, ACC DG Munir said, “Such corruption is threatening to the economy of the country.”

“Compensation should be given on the basis of the real status of the land. No opportunity will be given to change the class of the land to misappropriate public money,” he said.