Residents of Patharia Union in Shantiganj Upazila, Sunamganj, held a meeting on Saturday to demand that the long-awaited Union Parishad (UP) building be constructed at its officially designated location.
The meeting took place at 5:00 PM on the Ganinagar Sholagram High School grounds. Chaired by local elder Abdul Shahid and coordinated by Harunur Rashid Talukder, Executive President of the District CNG Auto-Rickshaw Association, the event featured a keynote speech by Patharia UP Chairman Md. Shahidul Islam.
Local speakers expressed frustration over decades of delays, alleging that a small opposition group is obstructing progress on the union’s own land. They noted that the Ministry of Local Government recently allocated Tk 4.18 crore for the project for the current fiscal year. However, construction has been halted due to a High Court writ petition filed by a UP member, Roshan Ali.
"Our long-standing dream is being blocked by one individual's actions," speakers stated, warning of larger protests if the government does not expedite the construction at the designated site.
UP member Roshan Ali defended his legal challenge, claiming Chairman Shahidul Islam chose the site unilaterally to serve personal interests rather than the public's. "I filed the writ on behalf of the people. We want the building situated in a more central location," Ali said.
In response, Chairman Shahidul Islam clarified that the site—located behind Ganinagar Sholagram High School near Ganiganj Bazar—was chosen based on the council's collective decision and is the union's own property. He emphasized that the Ministry approved the funding only after thorough verification, and accused Ali of filing the lawsuit for personal reasons while the tender process was underway.
