Eviction Drive Looms for Illegally Occupied Government Land in Mirpur's Section-9

Strategic Insights -

Amidst a brewing storm of controversy, the National Housing Authority (NHA) has prepared to embark on an eviction drive targeting 24 individuals and real-estate companies that have allegedly occupied government-owned land in Mirpur's section-9 area. These entities, including Sagufta Housing, Ali Nagar, Haveli Property Development Ltd, Assure Group, and NM Housing, among others, have been accused of forging documents to claim ownership of NHA land and falsely asserting that the land does not belong to the government. Some of these companies have even filed lawsuits and served legal notices against the NHA, claiming ownership rights over the plots in question.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHA has identified 24 individuals and real-estate companies that have allegedly occupied government-owned land in Mirpur's section-9 area.
  • The entities include Sagufta Housing, Ali Nagar, Haveli Property Development Ltd, Assure Group, NM Housing, Sunview Towers, City Life Properties, and RAK Two Towers, among others.
  • The alleged occupants have forged documents to claim ownership of NHA land and falsely asserted that the land does not belong to the government.
  • Some of the companies have filed lawsuits and served legal notices against the NHA, claiming ownership rights over the plots in question.
  • The NHA has confirmed that any makeshift structures on the lands will be removed during the eviction drive.
  • An Executive Magistrate has been appointed to oversee the eviction process.
  • Local residents have expressed frustration and concern over the situation, with some fearing that their own properties could be challenged with fake claims.
  • Prof Dr Adil Mohammed Khan, president of Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), has expressed doubt about the NHA's sincerity in properly safeguarding government lands and accused RAJUK of joint responsibility for issuing illegal permissions.
  • Saiful Islam, president of Sunview Towers owners, has firmly rejected the allegations made by the NHA, calling them "completely false and baseless".

Statistics:

  • Approximately 14 acres of land have been occupied by real-estate property developers and individuals since 2017.
  • The NHA has issued no-objection certificates to some of these companies, but those NOCs were later revoked upon further scrutiny.
  • The eviction drive is expected to be carried out soon, with the NHA confirmed as fully prepared to carry out the eviction.

Sources:

  • National Housing Authority (NHA) sources
  • Locals in the area
  • Prof Dr Adil Mohammed Khan, president of Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP)
  • Saiful Islam, president of Sunview Towers owners
  • "The Financial Express" (FE) news article, September 2024
  • "The Financial Express" (FE) news article, October 2023