PHOTO: STAR

S DILIP ROY, Kurigram

A house is being constructed by encroaching on a government road and designated market land at Datiarchar Bazar in Chilmari upazila in Kurigram, causing severe disruption to traders and pedestrians.

Locals allege that the structure, built late at night to avoid public attention, has blocked the only access road to the market, sparking tension across the area.

Following a written complaint from residents, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sabuj Kumar Basak has asked the Officer-in-Charge of Dhushmara Police Station to investigate and submit a report.

According to the locals, the 20 hands long and 8 hands wide building has already been roofed, with concreting of the floor in progress. They claim that influential resident Kalam Mia has long tried to assert ownership over the government land and has now proceeded with the construction under cover of darkness.

“All goods entering or leaving the bazar use this road. If it is blocked, the market cannot function,” said trader Sahidar Rahman. “Everyone is outraged as the work began at night.”

Azizur Rahman, general secretary of the market committee, said, “We developed this market together and built boundary walls around the designated land. Kalam never objected back then. Now he is claiming government property and constructing a house. This is illegal and unethical.”

Kalam Mia, however, denied the allegations. “I am building on my own land. Earlier, part of my land was taken for the market. I did not protest when the boundary walls were built because the situation was not favourable for me at that time,” he said.

Astamirchar Union Parishad Chairman Sohrab Hossain said no one is permitted to construct structures on government roads or market land. “I tried to convince Kalam multiple times, but he did not listen. That is why a written complaint was filed. The administration has assured action after investigation,” he said.

Dhushmara Police Station OC Motiar Rahman said they visited the site after receiving the complaint. “Attempts are underway to resolve the issue locally. For now, construction has been halted,” he said.

UNO Sabuj Kumar Basak said legal action will follow once the police submit their investigation report.