Local AL Leader’s Brother Accused of Occupying Mosque Land in Lama

Allegations have surfaced against a local influential figure for forcibly occupying land belonging to the Ruposhi Para Bazar Jame Mosque and Madrasa in Lama upazila.

Golzar Hossain, President of the Mosque Management Committee, filed a formal complaint with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on Saturday. The accused, Abed Ali, is the brother of former Ruposhi Para Union Awami League President Abul Hossain.

According to the complaint, the mosque committee legally owns 3.35 acres of land under Dardari Mouza (Holding No. R/1591), settled in 1981-82. However, following the Awami League's rise to power, Abed Ali allegedly used political influence to seize 10 decimals of this land.

The committee claims Abed Ali built three structures on the occupied site. He currently operates a business in one and has rented out the others for the past decade. Rahim, a local tenant, confirmed he has been paying Abed Ali 2,000 taka in monthly rent for the last 13 years.

Former committee president Abdus Sattar Faraji stated that previous attempts to recover the land were unsuccessful due to the political clout of the accused’s brother. The committee further alleged that Abed Ali has threatened them with lawsuits to stop any development work on the site.

In his defense, Abed Ali denied the accusations, claiming he purchased the land legally and possesses all necessary documentation.

Lama UNO Md. Moin Uddin confirmed receipt of the complaint. "We have received the allegation regarding the mosque land. A thorough investigation will be conducted, and necessary legal steps will be taken to recover the property if the claim is proven true," he said.