Residents of the Nawra Paschimpara area under Kayetpara Union in Rupganj Upazila of Narayanganj held a protest rally and meeting against local Awami League leader and alleged land grabber Rafiqul Islam (known as “Anda Rafiq”), accusing him of forcibly occupying mosques, madrasa, graveyards, government roads, khas land, and private properties.
The protest meeting was held on Sunday (April 5) at the local Ward No. 1 BNP office, organized by people from all walks of life in the Nawra Paschimpara area.
Speakers at the meeting brought multiple serious allegations against Rafiqul Islam and his brother, Mizan. They claimed that Rafiq had fraudulently registered the land of the Ahl-e-Hadith Jame Mosque, madrasa, graveyard, and Eidgah in his and his sons’ names. In 2014, he allegedly took ownership of about 8 bighas of mosque land by promising to construct an 8-story building, but only built 3 floors and embezzled the remaining funds. It was further alleged that he seized government roads, khas land, and ancestral properties of residents at gunpoint. One victim claimed that despite filing complaints with the police over the illegal occupation of his 10 bighas of land, he received no remedy. Locals also alleged that land worth 5 million taka was forcibly transferred for only 300,000 taka.
Abdul Halim, President of Ward No. 1 BNP and President of the mosque committee, said:
“We have been held hostage by this fascist leader for a long time. He has not only grabbed people’s land but also taken over land belonging to the house of Allah. We want freedom from this robber and demand the immediate return of all land.”
Other speakers described Rafiqul Islam as “immoral” and a “terrorist,” claiming that he has married 14 times and established a reign of terror in the area using political influence. They also alleged that he constructed roads through privately owned land without providing any compensation to the landowners.
Among those who spoke at the protest were mosque committee secretary and BNP leader Abdullah Al Mamun Nayan, former secretary Dabir Hossain, current assistant treasurer Russell, Ward BNP President Abdul Halim, General Secretary Kazi Enayet Ullah, and member Monir Hossain. Also present was a social worker, Md. Rezaul Karim, Nabi Doctor, and other local dignitaries.
At the end of the meeting, residents unanimously declared that all illegally occupied government land, public land, and religious properties must be freed immediately. Otherwise, they warned of stricter আন্দোলন (movement/protests). They also demanded that the administration take action against Rafiqul Islam’s alleged illegal activities and recover the looted assets.
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