Md. Nur Islam Noyon:
Allegations of irregularities in Bangladesh Railway’s land management have been raised, with senior railway officials avoiding concrete answers and shifting responsibility to each other. Following the decision to upgrade and re-model the Dinajpur railway station in 2021, the shops inside the platform were shifted to the outside offices adjacent to the platform and ignoring the rules in the parking area. As a result, the outer part of the platform was narrowed, causing great disruption to the movement of passengers and vehicles.
According to reliable sources, railway traffic area shops were illegally shifted to state land, without any approval or lease agreement. No effective action was taken even after this illegal transfer was monitored by the higher officials of the Railways. Local traders alleged that the transfer was done without their valid approval and agreement, which is in direct violation of railway rules.
When asked to SS in-charge of station master Shukhan Pukur and Dinajpur railway stations, he said that the shops inside the platform have been shifted outside on the orders of Rajshahi Senior Officer (CCM). CCM Sujid Kumar Biswas said that due to station re-modelling, the shops have been shifted to outer areas. When asked if there was any discussion or agreement about placing the traffic-commercial department shops in the state area, he advised to speak with Abdullah Al Mamun, Divisional Traffic Commercial and Traffic Officer.
When asked about this from Divisional Land Estate Officer Purnendu Dev and Assistant Land Estate Officer MA Razzak, Razzak said that there was no agreement with the Land Estate (State) Department regarding setting up the shop.
Traders claim, despite having valid documents, we have not received any proper answer as to why our shops have been shifted elsewhere. This is clearly abuse of power and corruption. They demanded justice and called for necessary steps to be taken for proper management of railway property.
Analysts feel that this irregularity of railway land management should be investigated and legal action should be taken against the responsible persons. The misappropriation of public property not only causes revenue loss to the Railways, but seriously harms the public interest.
