Locals call for cancellation of plots for Hasina's family, AL leaders in Purbachal

Locals from Purbachal have called for the cancellation of plots allotted to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's family, along with Awami League leaders and activists, in the Purbachal project area.

Under the banner of the "Purbachal Affected Residents' Rehabilitation Coordination Committee," they formed a human chain in front of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) building today (25 September), presenting a 19-point demand.

Protesters condemned the perceived discrimination in plot allocations and urged for fair distribution among applicants without bias.

Over one hundred people joined the human chain and submitted a memorandum to the Rajuk chairman.

Their demands included allowing original residents and victims, who were previously unable to apply for plots, a new opportunity to do so. They also called for the allocation of plots to original residents, who first applied for plots but were handed over land. 

Additionally, they urged investigations into the corruption tied to the development of buildings, stadiums, and roads in Purbachal over the past 17 years, with appropriate actions taken against those responsible. They also called for swift efforts to make the area habitable.

Committee coordinator Dulal Hossain said Tk30,000 was collected from thousands of people for five-katha plots. "We submitted two installments, but our five-katha plots were reduced to three katha. We demand the original five-katha plots at the previous price."

He also said the last government allotted 1,400 plots, many of which were by illegal means. "In several cases, Awami League middlemen allotted 100-200 plots under a single name. These plots must be cancelled," he added.

Rajuk chairman Major General (retired) Siddikur Rahman Sarkar said, "Starting next Saturday, my officers and I will be working in Purbachal. Every Saturday, I will hold office there. Bring your complaints gradually, and we will listen to everyone's concerns and take action if any irregularities are found."

He added, "We have formed a four-member committee to review the issues."

Purbachal New Town is the biggest planned township in the country. The project area comprises about 6,213 acres of land, located between the Shitalakkhya and the Balu rivers, at Rupganj thana of Narayangonj district and at Kaliganj of Gazipur, in the north-eastern side of Dhaka, according to Rajuk website.