A group of illegal encroachers has been trying to occupy a tributary of the River Buriganga placing a signboard in its middle point bearing the name of 'Freedom Fighter Family Housing Society, Kamrangirchar' under the banner of Muktijoddha Sangsad.
The signboard was placed at Shaheed Nagar area adjacent to the Kamrangirchar embankment of the Buriganga River in Dhaka, which is almost in front of the Lalbagh Police Station.
The Daily Observer published the picture of a signboard placed by 'Freedom Fighter Family Housing Society, Kamrangirchar' on the front page on Jan 11.
However, the Lalbagh Police Station has kept mum as the place is not under its jurisdiction while Kamrangirchar Police Station is unaware of the attempt of fresh encroachment. According to the witnesses, the part of the river was recently freed from illegal encroachments. Taking the advantage of silence of authorities of the two police stations, the encroachers have been trying again to grab the river.
While speaking to local residents and Kamrangirchar police personnel, the Daily Observer learnt that about a month ago, an unidentified group of people placed the signboard in the raised shoal of the tributary.
Preferring anonymity, a local tea stall owner said, "Around 20 to 25 days ago, I suddenly noticed the signboard in the middle of the canal. I don't know how and who installed it."
Mukhtar Hossain, a boatman, added, "About a month ago, six to seven people brought the signboard, rented a boat, placed it in the middle of the dry canal, and then left."
An anonymous local scrap dealer speculated, "It is unlikely that outsiders could come here and set up such a signboard without local backing. I suspect influential locals might be involved."
However, he denied to disclose the probable involvement of local influential people.
The signboard includes detailed information about the land and a mobile number, though the number was partially obscured with white paint. Upon dialing the number, it was found to be switched off.
When contacted, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Lalbagh Police Station Kyashoinu told this correspondent that the place, where the signboard was installed, is not under the jurisdiction of his police station. It is under Kamrangirchar Police Station.
