A local Jamaat-e-Islami leader has accused an expelled BNP politician of illegally occupying Bangladesh Railway land leased to a madrasa in Boalmari, Faridpur.
During a press conference on Sunday afternoon at the Panjeri Model Madrasa, Boalmari Municipality Jamaat Ameer Syed Niyamul Hasan leveled the allegations against Shamsuddin Mia Jhunu, the expelled vice-president of the Upazila BNP. Hasan claimed Jhunu seized their leased railway property and threatened madrasa staff with violence when they attempted to access the site.
Hasan, who also serves as the madrasa principal, explained that the institution leased 1.66 acres of agricultural land near the Boalmari station from the railway's Pakshi divisional office in 1993. The madrasa's management board paid rent until 2005, using crop sales to fund the institution.
However, after the railway stopped accepting rent for one of the acres, Jhunu allegedly seized the plot, built shops, and rented them out. Hasan added that despite the madrasa having a valid lease until 2027 for the remaining 0.66 acres, Jhunu’s associates have blocked them from using it.
"As our student body grew, we initiated the process of relocating to that land," Hasan said in his written statement. "When we put up our signboard, it was removed in the dark of night. If any of us go there, we receive death threats. We are seeking the urgent intervention of the railway authorities and the upazila administration."
Also present at the press conference were leaseholder Abul Kashem Mahmud, Madrasa President Md. Zakir Hossain, Directors Md. Atiar Rahman Mia and Mansur Ahmed, and Treasurer Abu Naser Molya.
In response, Shamsuddin Mia Jhunu strongly denied the allegations, stating the land belonged to his ancestors and was properly settled through the railway. He claimed the madrasa previously filed a lawsuit over the dispute, which the court dismissed, and that railway authorities formally canceled their lease in 2005.
"They are lying," Jhunu said. "If they truly hold a valid lease for the remaining 0.66 acres, the railway authorities should officially hand it over to them."
Jhunu further accused the Jamaat leaders of political intimidation, claiming they have been threatening him with political retribution in the name of the local Member of Parliament.
