Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5, facing the onslaught of student protests over quota reforms in government jobs. Her departure marked the fall of the Awami League's misrule that had held power for 15 years.

In the last four months since the fall of the Awami League government, there has been a surge in the construction of business establishments and buildings by illegally occupying government land and canals worth several crores of taka in Bhedarganj upazila of Shariatpur. Locals said that some individuals are occupying government land by changing the names of different political parties.

The government is losing millions of taka in revenue due to these institutions that have been established without any regard for any rules. On the other hand, due to unseen reasons, the authorities concerned have not taken any steps to demolish these illegal establishments, which has created public anger.

On-site investigation revealed that more than 200 illegal businesses have been set up in the upazila's Sadar, Sakhipur Bazar and its surrounding areas. In addition, Zakir Bepari has built 40 shops in the canal of Sajanpur Bazar and 3 shops on private land in Charfilij Bazar of Arshinagar Union.

There are 70 illegal establishments around Nantu Malat Bazar, 10 on Bhedarganj Hospital Road, 10 in South Tarabunia Mal Bazar, 8 in Charkumaria Khasmahal Bazar, 5 in Charvilij Bazar, 20 in Balarbazar and Narsinghpur Ferry Ghat, and 10 in Narayanpur and Ikarkandi.

On the other hand, influential groups have occupied various canals in the upazila, including the Jayanti River, and have built various business establishments and establishments. Before the fall of the government, one group used to occupy the canal, but now another group is busy occupying it. In such a situation, locals said, the administration is playing a silent role.

Shaheen Ahmed, a resident of Khipur, said, "In the last 15 years, one community has occupied and established as many government canals as it has, now another community is occupying more than before. The canal in our Sakhipur market is almost dead, the drainage is stopped. The administration is not taking any role. If this continues, the government will lose a lot of revenue."

Zakir Bepari of Charfilis Bazar said, "I am setting up a shop in a government place. I am informing the land office. You don't make news. I will meet you later."

Upazila Executive Officer Anindya Mondal said, "All those who have illegally occupied Khas land will be brought under the law. Illegally occupied structures will also be demolished very soon. Government canals can never be occupied. I have just arrived here, the work of demolishing all illegal structures has already started on the orders of DC Sir. I will start in Bhedarganj as well."