Hashem Mollah, father of National Citizen Party (NCP) central organizer and Dhaka District Chief Coordinator Md. Russel Ahmed, faced public outrage from local traders for allegedly attempting to grab land at the Joypara Market in Dohar Upazila.
According to sources, 67-year-old Hashem Mollah tried to occupy government land near the Joypara market just before Friday prayers.
The attempt drew protests from local businesspeople, especially as the site in question lies within a busy market route.
The president of the Joypara Boro Bazar Business Association and the municipal BNP president reported that Hashem Mollah was setting up a makeshift tin-and-wood stall on a public passage within the market area. He stated, “Hashem Mollah is a regular trader here, but this time he tried to encroach upon public land, which we cannot allow.”
During the protest, witnesses say Hashem Mollah became agitated and issued threats toward the market committee, further fueling tensions. Traders demanded the immediate removal of the encroaching structure, and in response to the unrest, some locals voluntarily dismantled the unauthorized installation.
Upon hearing of the incident, the market management committee, including the president, general secretary, and other members, rushed to the site to deescalate the situation.
Committee members noted that Hashem Mollah had reportedly shown interest in the public land since August 5.
In his defense, Hashem Mollah claimed he had purchased the land through official records but failed to provide any documentation when asked to prove ownership.
When contacted, NCP leader Russel Ahmed said, he was aware of the situation and would review his father's land documents to verify the claim.
