NABINAGAR, BRAHMANBARIA, June 9: A local man has allegedly occupied a portion of the government-owned Mahesh Canal in Nabinagar Upazila of Brahmanbaria and begun constructing permanent shops on the encroached land, drawing criticism from residents and prompting action from the local administration.
During a visit to the site on Monday, this correspondent found that reinforced concrete pillars had been erected inside the traditional Mahesh Canal beside the main road in Kaitala South Union. The structures are being used to build permanent commercial establishments.
The individual behind the construction, identified as Hamdu Mia, admitted that he had not obtained any official approval before starting the work.
When asked whether he had secured permission from the authorities, Hamdu Mia said, “No permission has been taken. However, I have submitted an application to the UNO seeking approval.”
He also attempted to discourage media coverage of the issue by offering money, claiming that other journalists had previously accepted payments and refrained from reporting on the matter.
Local residents alleged that the construction was being carried out through the influence of powerful connections and that government land was being occupied with impunity.
“Hamdu Mia is building shops on the canal after managing the administration. If influential people are involved, our protests make little difference. He is using his financial influence to occupy government land,” said several villagers.
Residents further claimed that canal encroachment has become widespread across the union, with many water bodies reportedly under the control of influential local figures.
Contacted for comment, Union Land Officer (Tahsildar) Bazlul Haque said authorities had already issued two notices instructing the individual to stop construction.
“We have served notices twice and asked him not to build any structures there. The Assistant Commissioner (Land) is aware of the matter,” he said.
Nabinagar Assistant Commissioner (Land) Khalid Bin Mansur said there was no scope for occupying a government canal.
