Lessee builds permanent structures on WDB land

An influential person has started building permanent structures, occupying a land owned by Water Development Board (WDB) near Alipur fish landing station under Kalapara upazila of the district.

Md Shahidul Islam, deputy assistant engineer of Kalapara WDB, sent a letter to the officer-in-charge of Kalapara Police Station on Wednesday to take legal steps against Amir Hossain Howlader, son of late Ali Akbar Howlader of Alipur, to recover the land.

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WDB sources said Amir Hossain leased 1.40 acres of wetland in Alipur  on October 22, 2014 for three years for fish cultivation. According to terms and conditions, he couldn't build any permanent structure on the land, but he started building permanent structures on June 7. 

Amir Hossain is building permanent structures on the land instead of cultivating fish, Md Shahidul Islam said. "We asked him to stop construction work but he continued, defying the order," he added.

During a visit to the area on Thursday, this correspondent found at least 10 labourers building permanent structures.

"Other people might occupy government land if WDB does not take immediate steps against the grabber," said Masud Farazee, a local resident.

Md. Abul Khayer, executive engineer of Kalapara WDB, said a lessee is constructing structures on the land, ignoring the condition for lease. We have sent a letter to the police seeking legal steps in the matter, he added.

The local police station did not take any step against Ali Akbar as of yesterday. Contacted, Azizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Kalapara Police Station, said they are investigating the matter.