Krishak Dal leader 'threatens' to seize educational institution's land

A Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal leader in Cox's Bazar has reportedly demanded that a floor of a newly constructed building on private property be allocated in his name, warning that, if his demand is not met, he would incite students to take over the entire space.

The leader reportedly said, "Build the building and give me a floor, or the students will take over the whole place." 

Omar Faruk Huda, representing the victim's family, made the allegation at a press conference held at his home in Jhautala area of ​​Cox's Bazar town on Wednesday afternoon (19 March). His mother, Anwara Begum, was also present at the conference.

During the event, Huda also presented two phone recordings, obtained by TBS, that reportedly contained conversations with the Krishak Dal leader issuing the threat.

According to the written statement read by Omar Faruk Huda, the family owns a plot of land on the Airport Road in Cox's Bazar, adjacent to the Saikat Girls High School, including three BS plots of land. 

The family holds the land with BS Khatian No 272. The other part of the land is in the name of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh. 

Huda claims that the educational institution and the Saikat Super Market have been operating on part of their land for years without authorisation, generating significant revenue.

Huda further mentioned that a legal dispute with the school over the land had been ongoing since 2003, with the case currently pending in court.

The situation escalated when Gias Uddin Afsel, the Cox's Bazar district convenor of Krishak Dal, allegedly threatened Huda and offered a deal: the family's land would only remain untouched if they agreed to allocate a floor of any new building constructed on the land to Afsel. 

If the family did not comply, Afsel threatened to incite students to seize the property and warned of false legal cases and harassment from the police.

Huda expressed concerns over the use of students by political figures for personal gains, urging parents of the school children to be vigilant and not allow any political leader to exploit the children for their own benefit.

When contacted over the issue, Gias Uddin Afsel denied the allegations, saying, "I have no personal interest in the disputed land. I have only served as a parent member of the school management committee. I have never threatened the opposing party or proposed any personal gains."

Krishak Dal leader claimed that false propaganda is being spread against him mainly fuelled by political opponents and certain circles, adding that a case filed in the court regarding the land is pending. 

"I have no objection to the verdict being passed on either side of the plaintiff or the defendant in the case. However, as long as I am in charge as a member of the school management committee, I will look after the interests of the school," added Afsel.

Samar Chandra Debnath, the headmaster of the school, did not respond to multiple phone calls.