Human chain protests irregularities in digital land survey at Amtali

AMTALI , BARGUNA, June 23: A human chain was formed in Amtali Upazila of Barguna on Monday morning, protesting alleged irregularities, corruption and manipulation in the ongoing digital land survey under the Settlement Office.

The programme was held at 11am Arpangashia Bazar of the upazila, where local farmers and landowners took part demanding an end to what they called widespread corruption in land record preparation.

According to the Settlement Office at Amtali, digital land survey work in Mouza No. 33 of Amtali Upazila began on November 15, 2023. Since the start of the survey, allegations have surfaced that some officials involved in the process have been recording land in the names of wrong owners, along with accusations of irregularities, bribery and abuse of power.

Protesters said that one piece of land is often being recorded in the name of multiple individuals, while rightful owners are being deprived of their legal ownership records. They alleged that complaints are being made to officials in exchange for money.

Amtali Upazila Settlement Office Assistant Settlement Officer Mohammad Habibur Rahman rejected the allegations, calling them “completely false” and claimed that no officials or employees of the office are involved in any irregular activities.

Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Ashraful Islam said the matter would be investigated and necessary discussions would be held with settlement office officials.