Mahbubur Rahman Tipu  Dohar (Dhaka)

Near the petrol pump in Dohar Upazila of Dhaka, an incident occurred where two shopkeepers were forcibly evicted. 

When the shop owner protested, he was assaulted. Upon receiving the news, Dohar Police Station personnel arrived at the scene and asked that the eviction work be stopped. However, influential individual Dalu Khondokar continued the eviction process.

Later, a team from the Bangladesh Army stationed at the Dohar camp arrived and halted all activities on-site.

The injured was identified as Mithu Pal from the Khalpar area of Dohar. He alleged that a man named Dalu Khondokar (also known as Pir Dalu Shah) was responsible.

Victims Nazrul Islam Moktar and Nurul Islam Monir, residents of Khalpar, Dohar, claimed ownership of the land, stating they had legally purchased the property and built three shops which they rent out.

After many years, Dalu Khondokar, owner of the nearby petrol pump, attempted to forcibly buy the shop land. When they refused to sell, he sent his people on Tuesday morning to demolish the shops and fill the space with sand. When shop tenant Mithu Pal tried to stop them, Dalu Khondokar assaulted him.

Nazrul Islam Moktar also said, “Even after we refused to sell the land, our shops were demolished. We demand justice.”

Injured businessman Mithu Pal claimed, “Without informing the landowners, Dalu Khondokar sent people to vandalize my shop. When I tried to stop them, he beat me. If my shop stays closed, I will not be able to feed my family. I demand compensation.”

Matin Chowkdar, General Secretary of the Dohar Bazar Business Association said, the incident of shop eviction is very unfortunate. I told Dalu Khondokar to resolve the matter through discussion with the owners.” Regarding the assault, he said, “We will decide after consulting with the association president.”

When asked for a statement, the accused Dalu Khondokar refused to comment.

OC of Dohar Police Station, Md. Rezaul Karim, said,  he was aware of the matter and had sent a police force. However, no formal complaint had been made. “If a complaint is filed, necessary action will be taken,” he said.