Nilphamari Correspondent :
Long-standing disputes over government-acquired land in Nilphamari have once again intensified, centering on the Water Development Board’s (WDB) Buritista River excavation and reservoir development project. Vast areas acquired decades ago remain under the control of influential local occupiers, leaving the multi-crore taka project stalled for years.
According to WDB sources, a total of 1,217.61 acres (492.50 hectares) of land in the Buritista area was acquired during the 1966-67 fiscal year. Official land records still list these plots under the Water Development Board. However, over the years, much of the land has fallen under the control of influential land grabbers.
On February 27, 2022, WDB launched an eviction drive to reclaim 667 acres of land, but strong resistance from occupiers prevented full recovery. Currently, a large portion of the land is occupied by houses, shops, and farmlands, despite repeated eviction attempts.
A WDB official, seeking anonymity, said: “The occupiers are extremely influential. Without strong administrative support, recovering the land is nearly impossible. The delay is causing waste of government funds and holding back project implementation.”
Local resident and former district BNP leader Md. Khorshed Alam said: “We have long protested against the Buritista project. WDB has filed four cases against me, and I have been jailed twice. I have no personal interest-I’m speaking for the people. If WDB wants a dialogue, I’m ready to cooperate.”
Former Buritista River Protection Committee leader Sahidul Islam Master said: “The government is spending huge sums to improve rivers and canals, but unruly individuals are blocking the work. With strong action, the administration could recover the land in a single day.”
For months, tension has simmered in the Dimla-Jaldhaka region over the proposed river dredging. Locals claim their ancestral land-with valid deeds-has been labeled as riverbank property. They accuse WDB of attempting to destroy fertile farmlands in the name of excavation.
Residents have staged several human chains, sit-ins, and protest programs. They allege that WDB has filed cases leading to thousands of locals being named as accused. Despite multiple meetings, no resolution has been reached.
WDB Executive Engineer Mohammad Atikur Rahman said that the contractor recently brought heavy machinery to the site and an Ansar security camp was temporarily established.
This sparked immediate resentment among locals, who on December 2 issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the removal of the equipment.
As tensions escalated, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) for Domar-Dimla Circle, Niaz Mehdi, visited the area on Monday to speak with residents and assess the situation closely.
Nilphamari Superintendent of Police Sheikh Zahidul Islam Zahid said: “Any obstruction to government work will be dealt with administratively. However, if residents want a peaceful resolution through discussion, that can also be pursued.”
