HuHuman chain in Kaliganj over land grabbing, extortion allegations

Local residents and affected families held a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Saturday (August 29) at 12pm, demanding a neutral investigation and security for victims. They raised allegations of land grabbing, extortion, attacks, drug peddling, harassment through false cases and filling agricultural land with sand in Kaliganj, Gazipur.

Participants included Iqbal Ahmed (brother of expatriate Alamgir Kabir), Mujahidul Islam (brother of victim Bayezid Hasan Shibli), Zahidul Islam (nephew of Alamgir), along with other local residents and victims.

Speakers demanded an impartial investigation into the allegations surrounding Khalequzzaman Bablu, member secretary of Kaliganj upazila BNP, and his two brothers—Anisur Rahman Ripon and Sohel. They alleged that the group was using political and local influence to grab land, demand extortion, control markets and construction work, fill agricultural land with sand and harass people through lawsuits.

The human chain also alleged that nearly four bighas of land belonging to Dubai expatriate Alamgir Kabir had been grabbed. Relatives of Bayezid Hasan Shibli demanded an investigation into claims that he was beaten and handed over to police on drug charges for opposing drug peddling.

Speakers demanded that the allegations be investigated and legal action be taken against those responsible. They also called for intervention from the Prime Minister's Office and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the complainants and victims.