Lakshmipur District Correspondent : Several service recipients have complained that they have to pay extra money or bribes to receive various land services, including name cancellation (deposit cancellation), investigation of disputed land, etc. at the Raipur Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) office in Lakshmipur. They allege that if they do not pay the bribe, the files are held up for a long time and they are harassed on various pretexts.
The arrow of the complaint is towards Surveyor Sajedul Islam of the Raipur Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) office. The victims claim that he used the name of Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Nigar Sultana to extort money from various service recipients through a broker’s ring.
However, when asked about these complaints, Surveyor Sajedul Islam said that he would call later. After that, he disconnected the mobile phone connection.
The victims alleged that after applying for deregistration or deposit cancellation online, additional money was demanded at various stages. They also alleged that the work was done quickly if the money was paid through a broker, but otherwise the file was held up for months.
In a video, it has been alleged that surveyor Sajedul Islam was seen talking to a service recipient. In the video, he said that he would do his work, but “sir, don’t sign without money.” The victims claimed that in this way, he used the name of the Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) to receive money from various people in person and through envelopes.
Sabuj Hossain, son of Tofail Ahmed, a resident of Uttar Char Ababil Union, alleged that money was demanded from him during the investigation of the disputed land. He first gave the surveyor 2,000 taka. Later, when more money was demanded, he claimed that he borrowed 5,000 taka from his relatives and gave it to the surveyor. However, he alleged that his problem was not resolved as the money was not given as demanded.
Hanif Mia of Uttar Charbangshi Union said that he traveled for three days for the deposit rejection work. He alleged that the surveyor later took 500 taka and submitted the report.
Abdul Mannan, son of Shafiullah of Dakshin Char Ababil Union, said that he had to travel for about a week for the deposit rejection work. He claimed that the surveyor submitted the report after paying 1,000 taka.
Arafat of Uttar Charbangshi Union alleged that he had to travel for the deposit rejection work. Later, after paying 500 taka, the surveyor signed it.
Abul Kalam, son of Nur Mohammad of the same union, said that he was harassed by mentioning various problems in the deposit rejection paper. He alleged that the surveyor signed the paper after paying 500 taka.
Shafiqul Mia, a resident of Uttar Charbangshi, alleged that he was harassed by surveyor Sajedul Islam during the registration of his sister Bilkis Begum. He claimed that he was signed after paying 500 taka later.
Parvez Hossain of the same area said that he had to travel for a long time for his father’s deposit clearance. He alleged that the surveyor signed after paying 500 taka later.
A service recipient of Bamni Union, on condition of anonymity, said that he gave the surveyor 500 taka for the registration of the name, and submitted the report.
Abul Hashem, son of Nur Mohammad of Uttar Charbangshi Union, alleged that he was harassed twice for the deposit clearance. He later complained to the Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) office but did not get any redress. He alleged that he was signed after paying 500 taka to the surveyor.
A person, on condition of anonymity, alleged that he was harassed for the demarcation of a land. He claimed that his application was rejected because a new demarcation was required despite the previous demarcation. He alleged that the deposit and withdrawal process was completed after additional money was paid through a broker.
Multiple service recipients have complained that in some cases, large sums of money are demanded on the pretext of complications in government Khas land or Khatian. There are allegations that money ranging from 50,000 to 1 lakh taka or more is taken based on land records and land marks.
It is learned that Surveyor Sajedul Islam joined the Raipur Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) office on August 21, 2024. Several victims have alleged that since his joining, incidents of harassment and excessive payment for land services have increased.
The victims claim that they have made written and verbal complaints to the concerned office, the Deputy Commissioner’s office and the concerned office at the Chittagong divisional level at different times. However, they allege that no visible action has been taken so far.
They further allege that although news about the matter has been published in several media outlets, no effective action has been taken against Surveyor Sajedul Islam. They also allege that there is a lack of supervision by the concerned officials.
According to the victims, although the government fee for registering a land title at the Raipur Upazila Land Office is around 1,170 taka, in reality they have to spend 6 to 8 thousand taka at various stages. There are allegations of taking more money in some cases.
They claim that although the government fee is supposed to be deposited through mobile financial services or the prescribed method, the money is taken manually through some officials and employees and brokers. There are allegations that a syndicate is working consisting of surveyors, office assistants, union land assistant officers, accountants, Nazirs and some other concerned persons.
In this regard, Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Nigar Sultana said, “Inform me about the complaint with evidence. Action will be taken as per the law after investigation.”
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT/Revenue) said that necessary steps will be taken if the victims file a written complaint with the Deputy Commissioner.
Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) Sharmin Jahan said, “Give a written complaint. I will ask the Lakshmipur Deputy Commissioner to take necessary action.”
The victims demanded a speedy impartial investigation into the complaints, holding those concerned accountable, and ensuring transparency in land services.
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