Allegation of Attempt to Encroach on 170 Bigha Shrimp Enclosure in Paikgachha

A shrimp enclosure owner in Paikgachha has accused two local men of trying to encroach on his 170 bigha enclosure by building dams and nets.

Md. Rezaul Karim, son of late Efaz Uddin Gazi of Batikhali village under Soladana Union, filed a written complaint with Paikgachha Police Station on February 27. He named Billal Molla (55), son of Sohil Uddin Molla, and Kalam Sardar, son of late Naser Sardar, both residents of the area, as accused.

Rezaul Karim said he has been operating the 170 bigha shrimp enclosure in Parishamari Mouza for the past 10 years under lease agreements with local landowners. He said the first three years were under the previous leaseholder Abdul Majid Sana, followed by five years under his own deed. A new five-year agreement, valid from 2025 to 2029, is currently in effect. One year has already passed, and he claims he has four years remaining under the lease.

According to the complaint, some land owned by the accused falls within the enclosure. Rezaul alleged that taking advantage of this, they began building dams and nets on February 27 without informing him and without proper land measurement.

He said he has no objection to handing over any legally owned land but believes the matter could have been resolved through discussion or with the help of the relevant authorities. He warned that constructing dams inside a large enclosure during peak season could cause significant financial loss.

In response, Kalam Sardar claimed he owns 15 bighas of land within the enclosure, supported by purchase documents and deeds. He alleged that despite repeated requests, the enclosure owner did not return his land. As a result, he separated his portion by building dams and nets on land adjacent to his house.

Sub-Inspector Ayub Ali of Paikgachha Police Station said both parties were called to the station after receiving the complaint and were asked to stop construction work. Although the accused appeared at the station, the dispute remains unresolved.