Siddhirganj: Tension over occupation of communal bathing area

PNN News Desk, Narayanganj 

In the Azimpur area of Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, tension has erupted after allegations that a local BNP activist built a house on a communal bathing area used for nearly eight decades.

According to local residents, in 1943, around 40 refugee families were settled in the Omorpur area of Siddhirganj through government-issued cards. Since then, roughly one acre of open land has been reserved for community purposes. Traditionally, this area has been used for washing the bodies of the deceased. Although the land was never officially registered, it has been considered community property.

Residents claim that on February 12, Abdul Mannan Mona, also known as Driver Mona, a local BNP worker, began constructing a permanent house on the site. Locals allege that he is attempting to take control of the land by invoking the names of a former MP and a current MP. It is also alleged that he collected an advance of BDT 100,000 from a Hindu man named Ganesh with plans to sell the house.

Resident Ruby Akter said, “Since childhood, we have seen our relatives’ last rites performed here. If this land is occupied, it will be a huge loss. This is not just land; it is part of our religious and social heritage.”

Abdul Mannan Mona, when contacted by phone, did not deny that the land had been used as a bathing area but insisted that the true situation would be clear if authorities visited the site.

District Commissioner Rayhan Kabir said that the matter was not previously known and that necessary steps would be taken after investigation. The OC of Siddhirganj police station confirmed receiving a written complaint and said an officer has been assigned to investigate. Local residents have expressed concern and demanded a quick resolution to stop the encroachment.