Fresh allegations have emerged that two tin-shed structures were constructed on disputed land in Kalapara, Patuakhali, despite a court order directing both parties to maintain the status quo over the property.

Fatema Begum, aunt of Md Mojibur Rahman, who claims ownership of the land, read out a written statement at a press conference on his behalf.

The press conference was held on Monday (August 10) at Moazzempur village in the Yusufpur mouza under Mahipur Police Station, where allegations were raised that the court’s order had been violated.

In her written statement, Fatema Begum said a civil case is pending before the Senior Civil Judge’s Court in Kalapara over 1.25 acres of land in Yusufpur mouza under JL No. 27, BS Dag Nos. 372 and 816, and Khatian Nos. 129, 2303 and 207.

She claimed that after an application for a temporary injunction was filed in the case, the court on July 22 directed both parties to maintain the status quo over the disputed property.

Despite the order, she alleged, several people, including Md Imran Howlader, Hanif and Ibrahim, entered the land and constructed two structures using tin sheets and wooden platforms.

Fatema Begum further alleged that attempts had previously been made to resolve the dispute through local mediation, but those efforts failed. The structures were subsequently rebuilt on the disputed land. She also alleged that she and members of her family were subjected to verbal abuse, intimidation and threats to their lives.

Meanwhile, it has been learned that Imran, who has been accused of occupying the land, filed an extortion case against 10 local residents in connection with the same incident. Two of the accused, Mahatab Maulana and Shaheen Mir, attended the press conference and described the case against them as “false and conspiratorial.”

They alleged that they had been implicated in the case with the intention of harassing them over the land dispute.

Local sources said two structures previously built on the disputed property had been demolished through an initiative of the BNP unit in Mahipur. Recently, two tin structures were reportedly constructed again on the land. There have also been allegations that a locally influential person assisted in the construction. However, the allegations could not be independently verified.

Mahipur Thana BNP General Secretary Advocate Shahjahan Parvez said, “We will speak to both sides and try to resolve the matter quickly.” However, he did not immediately comment on allegations that BNP had any involvement in the construction of the structures.

The family of Mojibur Rahman expressed dissatisfaction over the role of police at the scene. Police, however, said they had assisted in maintaining the situation.

Mahipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shamim Howlader said, “This is a matter for the court. The court has issued an injunction. Police have provided continuous assistance. They constructed the structures during Friday prayers. Police immediately went to the spot and stopped the construction work.”

The allegations of fresh construction on the disputed property despite the court’s status quo order, along with counter-cases and claims of political involvement surrounding the land, have caused concern in the area.

The affected family has demanded proper implementation of the court order, a fair investigation into the incident and legal action against those responsible. Local residents have also urged both parties not to take the law into their own hands until the court reaches a final decision on the matter.