RAJSHAHI, Sept 08 (V7N) — The Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) has issued notices to two allottees of Godhuli Market in the Shiroil Bus Terminal area of Rajshahi over allegations of using space beyond their allotted areas, making unauthorised alterations to the approved layout and failing to pay rent.
The two individuals who received the notices are businessman Shafiqul Aual Khan and former president of the Rajshahi Metropolitan unit of the Jubo League, Ramzan Ali.
The RDA has directed them to pay outstanding rent and compensation and to vacate the spaces allegedly being used illegally and hand them back to the authority.
Separate notices signed by RDA Estate Officer Md Badruzzaman contained the directives. RDA Chairman Abul Kalam Azad Sweet confirmed the matter on Saturday, saying the notices had been issued as part of legal action.
According to the RDA notice, Shafiqul Aual has been allotted a total of 6,612 square feet of space on the second floor, including 46 shops. He has outstanding rent of Tk 26 lakh 19 thousand 25, the notice said.
The notice further stated that Shafiqul Aual has been using an additional 5,769 square feet of passage and balcony space without approval. The RDA has demanded Tk 60 lakh 7 thousand 842 in compensation for the alleged unauthorised use.
It also alleged that he has been using 4,524 square feet of space on the fourth floor for residential purposes and another 4,590 square feet as a warehouse without approval or an allotment letter. The RDA has demanded an additional Tk 50 lakh 12 thousand 164 in compensation for these alleged unauthorised uses.
According to the notice, the total amount owed by Shafiqul Aual to the RDA, including outstanding rent and compensation, is Tk 1 crore 36 lakh 39 thousand 31.
Meanwhile, Ramzan Ali has been allotted 1,440 square feet of space for nine shops on the second floor. He has outstanding rent of Tk 5 lakh 11 thousand 230, according to the notice.
He has also been accused of using 1,774 square feet of space on the third floor and 1,077 square feet on the fourth floor without approval, allotment documents or a contractual agreement.
For the alleged unauthorised use of the spaces, the RDA has demanded Tk 18 lakh 31 thousand 421 in compensation and fines.
The total amount owed by Ramzan Ali to the RDA, including outstanding rent and compensation, is Tk 23 lakh 42 thousand 651, the notice said.
The RDA has ordered both individuals to pay the outstanding rent and compensation, stop the alleged unauthorised use of the spaces and submit explanations within seven working days.
Failure to comply may result in cancellation of their allotments and agreements, repossession and sealing of the premises, recovery of outstanding rent and compensation, and other legal action, the RDA warned.
Efforts were made several times to contact businessman Shafiqul Aual Khan by phone for his comment, but he did not answer.
Ramzan Ali, a Jubo League leader who has reportedly been in hiding since the mass uprising, could not be reached for comment.
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