Sanjeeb Das, Barguna
Allegedly local influential Abdul Mannan Hawlader and UP member Yusuf Mridha have occupied the Khekuani Canal near Khekuani market in Amtali upazila of Barguna by filling it with sand. Hundreds of people in Khekuani area and market have been affected due to the filling of the canal. Local villagers demanded immediate rescue of the canal.
It is learned that the Water Development Board constructed a flood control dam in 1990 at Khekuani canal in Gulishakhali union of the upazila. Due to the construction of the dam, part of the canal remained behind Khekuani Bazar. Local influential Abdul Mannan Hawlader and UP member Yusuf Mridha took the opportunity to build the dam in 2000 by concealing information from the Upazila Land Office and showing the canal class land as null land. They have kept the matter a secret for the last 20 years since the canal was settled. Last year, they farmed fish in the canal with a dam. At present they are filling the canal with sand.
On the spot, it was seen that the canal was filled with sand and some structures were erected and more structures were being constructed. UP members Yusuf Mridha and Mannan Hawladar have sold the canal land to different people. Local Zainul Abedin Hawladar has lodged a written complaint with Barguna Deputy Commissioner and Amtali Upazila Executive Officer. According to his written complaint, if the canal is filled, the residents of Khekuwani Bazar will suffer.
UP members Yusuf Mridha and Abdul Mannan Hawlader said, "I brought the settlement from the canal government in 2000."
Gulishakhali Union Land Assistant Officer (Tehsildar) Md. Delwar Hossain said, “I have been transferred from here. However, while I was in charge, I went to the spot on the instructions of Aceland Sir and stopped filling the canal. I don't know what's going on now.
