Deed writers’ strike at Ashulia Sub-Registrar Office causes public suffering

Services at the Ashulia Sub-Registrar Office in Dhaka have been severely disrupted for nearly a month due to a work stoppage by a section of deed writers demanding the removal of Sub-Registrar Khairul Bashar Bhuiyan.

The strike, which started on 17 June, reportedly followed disagreements over the sub-registrar's efforts to strictly enforce government-fixed taxes on land registration.

The protesting deed writers accused him of corruption, forcing them to pay bribes, and speaking disrespectfully.

"He does not register deeds without bribes and talks to us insultingly," said Alamgir Hossain, former general secretary of the Ashulia Deed Writers' Welfare Association.

During the protest, a private bank officer was allegedly beaten by deed writer Mosharraf and 10–12 others on 23 June.

A written complaint has been submitted to the Ashulia Police Station over the incident.

Alamgir claimed, "It was just a heated exchange of words, not assault. Later, we apologised unconditionally to the bank and warned those involved."

Due to the work stoppage, many service seekers have faced difficulties.

Altab Hossain, a teacher at Savar Central Model College, said, "I went to register donated land for the college but could not do it because of the strike."

"Later, following the sub-registrar's advice, I brought a deed writer from Savar and completed the work," he added.

Sub-Registrar Khairul Bashar Bhuiyan told The Business Standard, "Services are continuing as usual. Today (15 July), too, I registered several deeds. But a few people are trying to block others and even resorting to violence, which is why everyone is suffering."

Protesters say they have submitted memoranda to higher authorities and will continue their strike until the sub-registrar is removed.