Jumbangla Desk: 40 houses of Chargobindpur shelter project (Guchchagram) of Khwajpur Union of Madaripur Sadar Upazila have been sold at water price without tender. It has been alleged that the poor families have sold these houses under the pressure of three influential local people.
Those families became homeless when the removal process started on Tuesday (November 5) morning. They are afraid to open their mouths about this.
According to victims and local sources, in 2001, a cluster village was constructed in Chargobindpur of Khwajpur Union of Madaripur Sadar Upazila for the poor by the then government. The houses are built with tin canopies and fences on iron angle structures. The surrounding foundation was paved and the floor was earthen. Due to lack of renovation for a long time, the houses became uninhabitable. Therefore, the district administration took the initiative to build new houses there. Construction of new houses has also started. On this occasion, three influential people named Azizul Akon, Nazrul Sardar and Zakir Hossain of Khojajpur Union pressured the helpless people to sell their houses at water rates.
40 houses were sold to those three persons for only 3 lakh rupees. A handful of people got 3 thousand 750 taka, but the rest did not get a single money from the sale of the house. Many people do not even know about selling houses.
Earlier also, in May this year, another 40 houses were sold for only 3.5 lakh taka.
Some residents of the project, on condition of anonymity, said that 40 houses were demolished at the same rate in the first phase. Some gave Rs 3-4 thousand to some residents. Now 40 more houses are being removed. Some people have paid 3 thousand 750 rupees. Many were not even paid. They are dominant and we cannot protest as we are helpless.
Accused Nazrul Sardar said that the removal process has been started with the consent of everyone.
Madaripur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Wahida Shabab said that legal action will be taken after receiving a written complaint from the victims.
