Attempt to occupy government land worth hundreds of crores in Cox’s Bazar hotel-motel zone despite court order

Allegations have surfaced of an attempt to occupy government land worth hundreds of crores of taka in Kalatali, at the heart of Cox’s Bazar town. New structures are reportedly being built one after another, either under the cover of darkness or behind tin fences during the day. Locals allege that construction has continued despite a High Court injunction and a status quo order concerning the land.
Around 11 counters, travel agencies and tea stalls have reportedly been set up in the area from the Kalatali Police Box to the vicinity of Ocean Paradise. Construction of another 19 shops is reportedly underway in the same area, with work on around 10 of them nearing completion.
Locals claim that advance “salami” payments ranging from Tk 500,000 to Tk 1.2 million per shop are being taken in the name of shop allocation, along with agreements for monthly rent of around Tk 20,000.
A visit to the site found several workers carrying out construction work inside a tin fence. When journalists entered the area and asked about the construction, the workers and security personnel could not provide any clear information.
A signboard displayed in the middle of the construction site mentions the court’s directives. It also states that no new structures can be built on the land. However, new structures are reportedly being built despite the directive.
Locals allege that Mr. Yousuf Abdullah, owner of Prasad Paradise, claims ownership of the land, while the alleged land occupation and related business are being carried out under the leadership of Mr. Kamrul, owner of Baishakhi Restaurant.
A report stated that the enclosed land adjacent to Baishakhi Restaurant near Dolphin Mor covers 4.50 acres. A notice posted on the land also mentions the 4.50 acres and prohibits entry.
Several plots previously allocated in the Kalatali hotel-motel zone had their allocations cancelled over alleged violations of the terms. A recent report said 130 acres of land were allocated in the Kalatali hotel-motel zone in 2003. Subsequently, allocations for 57 of the 87 plots were cancelled. This plot is reportedly among them.
Therefore, it is not clear exactly which survey number, khatian or plot the 4.50 acres of land adjacent to Baishakhi Restaurant falls under, or what its current legal ownership or allocation status is.
Mr. Kamrul Islam, owner of Baishakhi Restaurant, said, “The plot was allocated to us. The government has not cancelled the allocation. Some local individuals are attempting to occupy the land. That is why we are fencing the area to protect the land allocated to us.”
There have long been various complications involving government land, cancelled leases and illegal structures in the Kalatali and beachfront areas of Cox’s Bazar. A recent report highlighted separate administrative statuses concerning government khas land, Public Works Department land and land under cancelled leases in the Kalatali, Sugandha and Laboni Point areas.
Earlier, reports were also published about alleged construction on land in Kalatali subject to a court-ordered status quo. In 2022, reports emerged that more than 150 illegal structures had been evicted from a Public Works Department field in Kalatali.
Against this backdrop, questions have arisen over how such large-scale construction could continue without the authorities’ notice if the allegations of construction despite the court’s directives are true. An investigation is needed to determine who is involved and who is financially benefiting from the structures.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mr. Mohammad Abdul Mannan said that any construction on government plots whose allocations have been cancelled is completely illegal. After being informed of the matter, he said he had instructed the Assistant Commissioner (Land) to take legal action. He also said the administration would follow a zero-tolerance policy to protect government property.
It remains to be seen whether the alleged illegal construction in Kalatali will stop following the administration’s position and whether effective legal action will be taken against those allegedly involved in the attempt to occupy government land.