No liberation without exemplary punishment for land grabbers and extortionists

Change in power has brought about a shift in the landscape. A particular group has indulged in a spree of land grabs. In various neighborhoods, BNP leaders and activists have started asserting their dominance. They are taking over Chhatra League offices and putting up signboards and banners under the banner of the nationalist party.

According to news published last Thursday (August 15), a group has even become desperate to take over the role of collecting garbage for the city corporation in the absence of Awami League leaders and activists. Signs of this shift in power dynamics can be seen across different areas of the capital. Some individuals, disguising themselves as BNP members, are engaging in unlawful activities.

Reports from the press state that on June 27, the Dhaka North City Corporation cleared illegal structures from the Ramchandrapur canal in the Satmasjid Housing area of Mohammadpur. However, just a few days ago, two makeshift tin-roofed structures were built on the canal's land, with a BNP signboard hanging on the door of one. The sign reads, "Bangladesh Nationalist Party - BNP, Satmasjid Housing Unit, Ward 33, Mohammadpur Thana, Dhaka Metropolitan North."

It's not just signboards; influential individuals have also started extorting money in various places. According to reports, traders in Karwan Bazar allege that around 5 million BDT is extorted daily from roads, footpaths, fish markets, vegetable warehouses, and truck parking areas. Though the previous leaders are no longer present, new ones have emerged, visiting shops and demanding money.

This situation isn't limited to the capital. Similar occurrences have been reported in various districts and sub-districts across the country. Senior BNP leaders are also troubled by these developments. In response, BNP's central assistant office secretary Taiful Islam Tipu told the media that multiple hotline numbers have been issued to combat land grabbing and extortion. Action is taken as soon as complaints are received.

We believe that internal party measures alone are not enough. Legal action must also be taken against these land grabbers and extortionists. In the new Bangladesh, there should be no room for land grabbing or extortion. It is evident that these activities are happening with the cooperation of law enforcement agencies. Before the mass uprising, the people had lost faith in the police.

In this changed situation, the police have returned to their duties with the promise of being true friends of the people. We hope the law enforcement agencies will carry out their duties with integrity and free us from the clutches of land grabbers and extortionists. Without exemplary punishment for these criminals, we will not be liberated from this menace.