Local Mohila Awami League unit erects its party office, occupying this piece of land of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation in Feroz Shah area of Chittagong. Photo: Zobaer Hossain Sikder

Leaders and activists of the local Mohila Awami League have occupied 12.77 acres of hilly land owned by Bangladesh Shipping Corporation in the city's Pahartoli area to build their party office.
The Chittagong Development Authority had allocated the piece of land near the famous Koibalyadham temple to the shipping corporation for building staff quarters in 1980.
But ward-9 unit of the ruling Awami League's women's wing has erected a small bamboo-made house at the site and put up a signboard proclaiming its ownership. A few leaders and activists of the party were seen gossiping there yesterday afternoon.
Assistant Manager (public relations) of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation Khalilur Rahman yesterday told The Daily Star over phone that the Mohila Awami League occupied the land on October 2.
Corporation's Deputy General Manager SM Sohrabuddin said yesterday evening, "We came to know about the matter from a few locals on Saturday. We rushed to the place and saw some day-labourers were erecting the house.
"When we objected to the construction of the house, the leaders simply ignored us," he added.
"We have informed high officials concerned of the matter and will lodge a general diary tomorrow," Sohrabuddin said.
Talking to The Daily Star, however, a Mohila League leader claimed that the land does not belong to the shipping corporation.
"The Koibalyadham Asram authority owns the land," said Mili Chowdhury, president of ward-9 Mohila Awami League.
She said leaders and activists of her party do not have a place to "spend time" and hold party meetings. "So, we chose the site and built our party office," she said.
Asked if they took any permission from the temple authority, party General Secretary Dipti Rani Majumder said they would take the permission after the house is completed.