Rajshahi, Oct 12 (V7N) – Allegations of close ties between brokers and officials have emerged in almost all land offices across nine upazilas of Rajshahi, causing repeated harassment for ordinary citizens seeking land-related services such as tax payments, cancellations, and registration. Residents claim that while routine procedures can take months, payments to brokers often expedite the process significantly.

The highest number of complaints center on the Hariharpara Union Land Office in Mohanpur Upazila. Locals allege that most clients are forced to rely on brokers Gias and Shamim to receive services. Office assistant Mahfuzur Rahman acknowledged the issue. In some instances, Union Land Sub-Assistant Officer Shamima Akter has been seen accompanying Gias on his motorcycle for on-site land inspections and surveys.

Shamima Akter admitted that she sometimes seeks Gias’s help due to limited knowledge of certain areas. However, her association with brokers has drawn criticism from residents. Local resident Abdus Salam claimed that Shamima Akter takes a share of money collected by the brokers, though few dare to speak out due to her influence. This situation has left citizens apprehensive about future harassment in land-related matters.

Broker Gias confirmed that he conducts field inspections with Shamima Akter. Attempts to contact broker Shamim were unsuccessful, as he did not answer phone calls.

Officials, meanwhile, have promised to improve service quality. Poba Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Zahid Hasan and Acting Upazila Executive Officer of Mohanpur Zobaida Sultana stated that steps are being taken to streamline services. However, Sultana currently holds three responsibilities – Mohanpur Upazila UNO, Kaknhat Municipality Administrator, and Assistant Commissioner (Land) – making it difficult to resolve issues quickly. Citizens often wait for hours at her office.

Rajshahi has a total of 46 land offices, including 19 Land Service Assistance Centers. Due to server issues and other complications, around 4,000 people visit these offices daily seeking resolution for land-related problems.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Overall) Mohinul Hasan of Rajshahi emphasized that necessary action will be taken if specific complaints are received, signaling an intent to address the ongoing issues in land service management.

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