Attempt to grab govt land in Hatia foiled; 2 held 

 
HATIA, NOAKHALI, Jan 9: A group attempted to illegally occupy government khas land in Hatiya of the district, but fled when the upazila administration launched a raid. Two men were detained and a trawler used in the operation was seized.

The incident occurred Thursday evening on a char near Rahmat Bazar tourist area in Burirchar Union. The detainees were identified as Mohammad Abul Kashem, son of late Abdur Rashid of Char King Union, and Mohammad Hashem, son of Mobashwer Ahmed of Char Ishwar Union.

A team led by the UNO conducted a raid, prompting the occupiers to scatter. Two were caught while others escaped.
For years, the group-operating under the name Hatiya River Erosion Rehabilitation Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd.-has allegedly collected money from people, enrolling them as members and issuing slips promising land. On Thursday, they began distributing plots to listed members.

Repeated attempts to contact the group's president, Abul Kashem, went unanswered. UNO Md. Alauddin said,  "This is government khas land which has not been allocated. Some people tried to grab it illegally. Two have been detained and legal action will follow."