Complains of Fareast’s Land being Grabbed Despite Court Order

Staff Correspondent: Despite a court order remaining in force, Fareast Islami Life Insurance Company has alleged forcible entry, construction of a boundary wall, and occupation of its land in the Goran Chatbari area of Mirpur in the capital.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of Fareast Islami Life, Md. Abdur Rahim Bhuiyan, alleged that even after informing Shah Ali Thana police multiple times and filing two general diaries (GDs), no effective measures have been taken.

He made these remarks at a press conference held on Sunday (4 October) at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

According to Fareast Islami Life’s claim, it owns 628.89 decimals of land in the Goran Chatbari area. The dispute over the land is pending in court. The company stated that, as per the High Court’s order of 29 July, the stay order on the property remains in force until the rule in the case is decided.

Abdur Rahim Bhuiyan alleged that on 24 September a group of 50 to 60 people entered the land armed with traditional weapons and sticks. He said the group intimidated people and occupied the land by constructing a boundary wall.

He said that earlier, on 20 September, the company’s security personnel had been threatened and intimidated. A GD was filed at Shah Ali Thana on 21 September regarding this incident. Later, after the events of 24 September, the company filed another GD at the same thana on 27 September.

He alleged that despite being informed repeatedly, the police neither inspected the site nor took any effective measures.

At the press conference, Fareast Islami Life put forward six demands. The demands are:

1. The court order regarding the land must be fully implemented.
2. The allegations of forcible entry on 24 September, display of weapons, and construction of a boundary wall must be investigated and action taken.
3. An investigation must be conducted into whether the name of any influential political leader was used to exert influence in the land grab.
4. An investigation must be conducted into why Shah Ali Thana did not take effective measures even after two GDs.
5. Necessary security must be ensured to protect the property of Fareast Islami Life and the financial interests of the policyholders associated with it.
6. In accordance with the law and court directives, the land must be freed from occupation and the company’s peaceful possession of it must be ensured.

Abdur Rahim Bhuiyan said: “If anyone has any legitimate claim against us, let that also come to light. But if there is an attempt to occupy policyholders’ assets by exerting influence, let that also be exposed before the nation.”

He further said that the actual ownership of the land will be determined by the law and the court.

When asked about allegations of irregularities and corruption in the purchase of various properties by Fareast Islami Life, Mohammad Azgar Ali, In-Charge of the company’s Real Estate Department, said that multiple cases on these matters are pending in court, at the thana, and with the Anti-Corruption Commission. As the cases are under trial, he did not make detailed comments.

A question was also raised as to why the identity of any influential political leader allegedly used in the land grab was not being disclosed.

In reply, Mohammad Azgar Ali said that the company is a victim in this incident and that it often becomes difficult for victims to directly name influential persons.