Ananda Housing in deep distress

The “Ananda Housing Society” developed adjacent to Sector 3 of Purbachal New Town in Rupganj has now become a source of fear among local residents. Allegations have been made that the housing project was established by forcibly evicting hundreds of families from their ancestral homes, using the name and influence of the police. Those who attempted to protest were reportedly threatened with being buried under sand used in the project. Many have been subjected to attacks and false cases, while others were detained, remanded and allegedly tortured. Several also served prison sentences. On the back of the suffering and helplessness of thousands of people, former Additional DIG of police Gazi Mozammel Haque is accused of amassing assets worth several thousand crore taka.

Yesterday, hundreds of affected residents staged a human chain and protest inside the Ananda Housing project, demanding the return of their land. Residents from nearby areas including Agarpara, Madhyapara, Namapara, Madhukhali, Gutiyabo and Pitolganj took part. At one stage, police dispersed the programme.

It is known that retired Additional DIG Gazi Md Mozammel Haque began the project around 2006–07. Initially, the name “Ananda Police Housing” was used, reportedly misleading the public. It was also announced that plots would be allotted to police members. However, many police personnel who paid money did not receive plots. Police Headquarters has confirmed that there is no officially approved project under this name.

Allegations suggest that over the past two decades, at least 3,500 bighas of land have been forcibly occupied under the project, although the company claims the project covers 1,200 bighas. Locals say a large portion of the land was taken through coercion, forged documents, or intimidation at nominal prices. Those who refused to give up their land were allegedly subjected to false cases, remand torture, and threats of death. Many were also imprisoned. It is further alleged that Mozammel gifted land and a duplex house to former IGP Benazir Ahmed to secure influence and project benefits, and that key planning took place there. After corruption allegations against Benazir surfaced, the word “Police” was removed from the housing company’s name.

Speaking at yesterday’s protest, local resident Haji Solaiman broke down in tears. He said he had owned substantial land, all of which was taken over. “I had three fish farms on my land. They filled everything with sand, including the fish. Today I am a destitute. I survive by working on other people’s land. My son works as a mason. I demand justice,” he said.

Manik Mia of Agarpara said that all local access routes have been blocked due to land grabbing. He added that an official road was also closed after a bridge was destroyed. The only drainage canal in the area has been filled, causing thousands of families to be waterlogged every monsoon. Residents now have to travel 6–7 kilometres to reach the police station, hospital or upazila complex. Similar complaints were made by Mohsin Mollah of Namapara.

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Public outrage grows in Rupganj over Mozammel

Another resident, Mithu Sarkar, said his father’s 2.5 bighas of land were forcibly taken by Mozammel Haque, where the family once cultivated crops.

Haji Mohammad Amanullah of Namapara alleged that ancestral lands were filled and fenced off. “When we protest, they threaten to bury us 12 feet underground. They harass us using the police and abduct and torture us through goon squads. We want justice,” he said.

Local resident Zaher Ali said he was arrested in a false case and taken on a 10-day remand, during which 62 bighas of land were allegedly transferred under duress. “There was no form of torture left that I did not endure. I was beaten in front of my daughter’s husband. I was forced to sign over my land to save my life,” he said.

Investigations reveal that the project is operated through an organisation called “Ananda Police Family Welfare Cooperative Society”, controlled by former Additional DIG Gazi Mozammel Haque. His wife, Farzana Mozammel, owns another company called “Ananda Properties Limited”, through which a large volume of land transactions have taken place.

Sources further say that Mozammel owns extensive assets not only in Rupganj but also across various regions, including hundreds of bighas of land, bungalow houses, a resort on the Meghna River, and a pharmaceutical factory. His wife also holds significant assets. Over a 27-year career in the police service, he is alleged to have accumulated vast wealth.

Victims say they were unable to speak out for many years. Following recent political changes, many have returned to the area and are now demanding the return of their land. They have called for the intervention of the authorities, along with a swift investigation and justice.

Meanwhile, after his retirement last year and the initiation of corruption investigations against him, Mozammel Haque has largely remained out of public view. However, allegations persist that he continues to operate land grabbing and other activities through trusted associates and local enforcers.