A former Jubo Dal leader in Tangail`s Mirzapur Upazila has been accused of digging up the soil from a villager`s homestead after failing to receive payment for bricks sold on credit.
The accused, Masud Sikder, is a former joint convener of the Jubo Dal in Mirzapur Upazila.
The incident took place in Valukachala village, located in the Azgana Union, at the residence of Azahar Mia, son of the late Abdur Rashid Mia.
On March 19, the event became widely known in the local area, causing significant commotion and concern among villagers.
According to the victim, Azahar, the conflict began last year when he purchased bricks worth BDT 1 lakh from Masud Sikder on credit to supply to a construction site in Dhaka.
However, after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the businessman responsible for paying for the bricks allegedly fled, leaving Azahar unable to settle his debt with Masud.
"Masud started pressuring me for the money, and at one point, he took my signature on a blank stamp paper," Azahar explained.
He further alleged that a few days ago, under the cover of darkness, Masud used a backhoe machine to dig up red soil from his yard as a form of repayment.
"The whole village of Azgana is practically hostage to the Sikder family. No one dares to speak up against them out of fear. I just want justice," said Azahar.
When asked about the allegations, Masud Sikder offered a different account of the events.
He claimed that four years ago, Azahar took bricks worth BDT 50,000 from him, followed by another BDT 50,000 in subsequent transactions.
Masud stated that Azahar had agreed to sell the red soil from his homestead yard in lieu of repaying the debt.
"I excavated 86 truckloads of soil, charging BDT 1,200 per truck. I did not take the soil by force; Azahar himself sold it to me," said Masud.
The situation has drawn the attention of local authorities, with Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) ABM Ariful Islam stating that he had not been made aware of the incident yet.
"I have not received any complaints regarding this matter, but if an official complaint is filed, we will investigate and take appropriate action," said the UNO.
The incident has left the local community in turmoil, with many residents expressing concerns over the power and influence wielded by the Sikder family in the area.
Locals claim that the family’s dominance has created an atmosphere of fear, making it difficult for people to speak out.
As tensions rise in the village, all eyes are on local authorities to see whether justice will be served for Azahar, or whether the Sikder family`s influence will continue to hold sway.
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