Land Dispute in Cox’s Bazar: Allegations of Tk 500,000 Extortion Demand

PNN News Desk | Cox’s Bazar

Several local individuals have been accused of demanding Tk 500,000 in extortion money by creating a dispute over ownership of land recorded in the official land register in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar. The alleged perpetrators have reportedly threatened to prevent the construction of houses on the land unless the money is paid. The victims, Mahmudullah and his relatives, have also alleged that members of their family were attacked several times. They claim that forged stamp papers are being used to establish ownership over the disputed property.

The incident reportedly took place in Moulvi Ansur Ali Para, in the Paschim Fakiraghona area of Ward No. 3 of Baro Maheshkhali Union, under Maheshkhali Upazila. Among those named in the allegations are local residents Chaber Mia, Mostak Mia and Jasim Uddin, along with several others.

On Monday (October 19) night, Mahmudullah presented these allegations to journalists at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. He claimed that the land had been in his family’s possession for a long time. They had been using the property for residential purposes and had planted trees there. However, he alleged that they had recently been facing obstruction in carrying out various activities on the land, including constructing houses.

Mahmudullah alleged that although they had contacted Maheshkhali Police Station several times over the dispute, no lasting solution had been reached. Instead, he claimed, they were told that they would have to pay Tk 500,000 to construct a house on the land. When they refused to pay, members of their family were allegedly attacked.

According to the victim’s family, they were attacked on three separate occasions because they refused to pay the demanded money. Mahmudullah alleged that the latest attack took place at around 5:00 pm on October 15, when a group of people armed with firearms, machetes and locally used curved blades attacked their home.

Mahmudullah sustained a fracture to his left wrist in the attack. His 48-year-old younger brother, Rahmat Ullah, was allegedly struck on the head with a hammer. The family also claimed that the blow ruptured his eardrum.

The family further alleged that the attackers vandalized their house and fencing, causing damage worth approximately Tk 50,000. Police and local residents later rescued the injured and sent them to the hospital. According to relatives, several injured individuals were receiving treatment at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, some in serious condition.

The family also alleged that the road leading to their house had recently been blocked, making it difficult for them to move in and out of the property.

Mahmudullah claimed that a meeting had been held in the presence of police to resolve the land dispute. However, instead of reaching a settlement, he alleged that a proposal was made for his family to accept either half of the market value of the land in cash or surrender half of the property.

The name of Nezam Uddin, personal assistant (PA) to Moksud Alam Niru, vice-president of the district Jubo Dal, has also emerged in connection with the allegations. Mahmudullah claimed that Nezam Uddin made the proposal during the meeting. The original report stated that an audio recording of the conversation was in the reporter’s possession.

Responding to the allegations, Nezam Uddin said that people from Chaber’s side had asked him to discuss the financial terms as part of an effort to resolve the dispute. He said he had conveyed the proposal on their behalf but had no personal demands or claims regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, Moksud Alam Niru denied the allegations of extortion and providing protection to the accused. He said he had not gone to the police station on behalf of the accused; rather, the individuals concerned had approached him. He also claimed that he had attempted to resolve the dispute.

The victim’s family and several local residents further alleged that Chaber and his associates had forged stamp papers to create a dispute over ownership of the land. According to their allegations, the papers were being used to establish a claim over the property and demand money.

The disputed stamp paper reportedly contains the names of Aman Ullah and members of his family. Aman Ullah said the land had been purchased from its owners, including his father, Abdu Rashid. He claimed that they had never given any stamp paper to Chaber’s side and alleged that the document had been fraudulently created.

Aman Ullah also alleged that attempts to arrange a mediation meeting with Chaber’s side to verify the matter had failed because they did not attend the arbitration session.

Attempts were made to contact the accused, Chaber Mia, but his response could not be obtained. As a result, his side of the allegations could not be established.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Maheshkhali Police Station, Md. Abdus Sultan, said that during a mediation meeting, Chaber’s side had presented a stamp paper concerning the disputed land. On the other hand, Mahmudullah possessed official land records showing ownership of the property, he said.

The OC explained that the two parties were related, which had prompted efforts to settle the dispute through mediation. However, an attack took place despite those efforts. Police were sent to the scene after receiving information about the incident, and the injured were rescued, he added.

The OC further said that the victims had not yet submitted a formal First Information Report (FIR) at the police station. He said that once a formal complaint was filed, the allegations would be investigated and legal action would be taken accordingly.

The dispute over land ownership, allegations of extortion and the reported attacks have raised concerns in the area. However, the ownership claims, authenticity of the stamp paper and allegations of assault need to be verified through a proper investigation.