A wave of public discontent has spread across Sirajganj town following the construction of a multi-storey building on government-owned (Vested Property) land in the heart of the city’s Dorga Road area. Allegations have surfaced that an influential group has taken advantage of prolonged administrative silence and negligence to forcibly occupy the government land and erect a seven-storey building.
According to official land records, the disputed property is located in Bhuter Diyar mouza (J.L. No. 86, S.A. Khatian No. 181, and S.A. Dag No. 1033), covering approximately 10.50 decimals of land. It is classified as government-owned V.P. (Vested Property) land under Vested Property Case No. 6 (Siraj) 69–70. Historically, the land was owned by late Shrinath Ghosh and his father Janakinath, whose permanent residence was in Kachari Para, 26 Parganas, West Bengal, India. Later, the property was declared government-owned under the Vested Property Act.
In recent years, however, several individuals have allegedly attempted to fraudulently claim ownership of the land through forged documents. Local residents claim that the administration’s persistent silence has emboldened the land grabbers. The construction of a multi-storey building on such a significant government-owned site has sparked serious public concern. Many are questioning: if government property can be seized so openly, what protection remains for the legal rights of ordinary citizens?
Eyewitnesses report that construction is progressing rapidly and the building’s structure is already visible. No approved design or legal clearance has been displayed at the site. Sources allege that the building work is being carried out in violation of municipal rules and without any official authorization.
When contacted, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Sirajganj, Nur Nahar Begum, stated: “Occupying or constructing on government land is completely illegal and unethical. The matter is being taken seriously, and necessary steps will be taken to recover the property.”
However, despite her statement, no visible eviction or demolition efforts have yet been seen on the ground.
Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Nazrul Islam, when reached by The Daily Sun over the phone, said: “This is the first time I am hearing about this issue. If it is proven that the land belongs to the government, we will certainly take legal action.”
The incident has sparked widespread debate over administrative accountability and ethical governance. Legal experts have emphasized that safeguarding and reclaiming vested property is the direct responsibility of the government and the district administration. They have warned that if prompt action is not taken, the integrity of the state’s land management system will collapse, deepening the crisis of public trust.
Local civil society groups and concerned citizens have urged immediate administrative intervention. They have demanded a thorough investigation, suspension of construction activities, and full recovery of the government-owned land.
According to them, protecting government property is not merely an administrative obligation—it is a matter of national dignity. The construction of a multi-storey building on government land in the heart of Sirajganj raises profound questions about the moral foundation of Bangladesh’s land management system. Citizens are now waiting for decisive administrative action to set a clear precedent by taking strict legal measures against illegal occupiers and restoring the property to government possession.