Villagers Protest Dam Construction and Enclosure on Agricultural land in Lohagara

Affected families and locals in Lohagara Municipality of Narail held a human chain on Monday afternoon to protest the construction of a dam and enclosure on agricultural land in Mochra Beel. They submitted a written complaint to the Deputy Commissioner seeking administrative intervention.

The complaint alleges that Rafiq Sheikh, son of Abdur Rahman Sheikh of Mochra village, is illegally occupying three-crop agricultural land under the pretext of building a resort and fish enclosure. According to locals, soil has been filled, a dam has been constructed, and a fish enclosure has been dug, resulting in severe waterlogging that has made large areas of cropland unsuitable for cultivation.

Affected farmers, including freedom fighters Mannan Molya, Mainul Hasan Raju, Ayub Molya, Riazul Islam, Moniruzzaman, Tipu Fakir, and Yunuch Sheikh, said the enclosure has blocked access to their land, forcing many to lease or sell it. They added that Rafiq Sheikh allegedly purchased some land and forcibly acquired other plots for road construction, causing financial hardship. Protesters said they face threats when raising concerns and have submitted a complaint to the District Commissioner for relief.

Rafiq Sheikh denied the allegations, saying he purchased and leased land to build a fish enclosure and did not forcibly occupy any land. He added that any complaints should be addressed through proper administrative channels.