Four Fresh Encroachment Attempts in Capital Signal Ominous Warning
While Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was visiting the United States, four incidents involving alleged land-grabbing attempts, armed attacks, vandalism and looting were reported in Dhaka within three days. The incidents have raised concerns about law and order in the capital. The latest incident occurred on Saturday night when content creator Salman Muqtadir’s studio at the ECB Chattar area was attacked and vandalised. Earlier that day, an alleged attempt was made to occupy 35 kathas of land at Chand Udyan Housing in Mohammadpur. An armed group also allegedly attacked an eight-storey house in Shyamoli Housing in Adabor.
On Thursday night, the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur was attacked, looted and demolished. In separate incidents, residents, landowners and people associated with the affected organisations alleged that armed men were involved in vandalism, looting and attempts to take control of properties. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed concern over the incidents and said, “Such a situation is an ominous sign for the BNP government.” Former adviser to the interim government Dr Asif Nazrul said, “These serious crimes are a clear wake-up call for the government. Regardless of which party the criminals belong to, the government must take strict action now.”
Radda MCH-FP Centre Demolished
The historic Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1 was reportedly attacked around midnight on Thursday by 200–250 masked people carrying local weapons and heavy equipment. They allegedly held security guards hostage and looted equipment, medicines, vaccines and cash before demolishing one permanent and three semi-permanent buildings. The attackers later put up a signboard reading “Shommanona Dokandar Samabaya Samity Ltd.” in front of the premises. The allegation is that the attack was planned to occupy 10 kathas of land.
Executive Director Dr Nasrin Akter filed a case with Shah Ali Police Station against around 250 unidentified people. Health services, including emergency vaccination programmes, have remained suspended following the incident. For the past 50 years, the centre had provided free primary healthcare and family planning services to poor mothers and children through partnerships with the government and other organisations. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has formed a three-member committee to investigate whether there was any negligence by police or other law enforcement agencies. Local BNP leader Md Hanif Mia has also been named as an accused in the case.
Attack on New Guinea Properties
A group of around 150–200 people allegedly attacked and looted a residential project at ECB Chattar on Saturday night. According to police, the incident was linked to a land dispute involving New Guinea Properties Ltd and an adjacent landowner. The attackers allegedly fired weapons, broke CCTV cameras and injured several people. Salman Muqtadir’s “Brownfish” studio was also vandalised and looted, and employees were reportedly assaulted. Police said three people were arrested and a case was filed.
Attempt to Occupy House in Adabor
At around 6:30am on Saturday, 15–20 armed men allegedly attacked an eight-storey house in Shyamoli Housing in Adabor. The attackers reportedly carried pistols, machetes and locally made weapons. The house belongs to businessman Aminur Rahman. His nephew Monir Hossain said four men approached the main gate, while another man carrying a pistol stood nearby and appeared to direct the attack.
They demanded that the occupants leave, shouting, “Give us money! You stay in the house, but you do not give us money. Get out.” The attackers allegedly struck the gate with machetes and other weapons. Police were informed through the national emergency hotline 999. Monir Hossain said, “We are living in fear. We cannot leave the house because of fear. We do not know what may happen again. We cannot continue like this. Please help us.”
Land Dispute in Mohammadpur
An office near Rose Villa in Chand Udyan Housing was attacked and vandalised on Saturday morning over a land dispute. Police said 150–200 people led by Jony and Rezaul allegedly broke an existing tin fence, entered the office, vandalised it and removed various items. They then attempted to take control of the land by putting up a new tin fence.
Other Land Disputes
In Dhaka Udyan, a resident named Raihan alleged that BNP-affiliated individuals Mazharul Islam Russell and Fazle Rabbi attempted to occupy his vacant plot. He said a case over the land is pending, but the two men allegedly put up a signboard bearing their names on the property on Friday night. The series of incidents has raised questions about the protection of private property and law enforcement in Dhaka. The allegations in the individual cases remain subject to police investigation and legal proceedings.
