The Jessore Awami League has illegally occupied government land for its district office for over 11 years without paying rent, despite an official lease agreement. Following the political unrest after August 5, the office was attacked by enraged students, and since then, no party members have entered the premises.
The Awami League office in Jessore, located in the heart of the city on the historic ‘Ali Manzil’ building, was originally leased from the district administration in April 2013. The lease was for a six-katha area on the building’s second floor with an annual rent of 1,333 Taka. However, the party failed to make any payments, rendering the lease technically void.
According to district administration sources, the Awami League never paid the rent, leading to the conclusion that the party never legally acquired the space. Despite this, the office continued to operate for over a decade without legal ownership. Following the political turbulence in the country, the office was attacked by protesters on August 5 after the fall of the government, and since then, no party members have returned to the premises.
The building, which was once bustling with party activities, is now in a state of disrepair. After the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was formed for a second term, the Awami League moved its office to a building on Netaji Subhash Chandra Road, which is owned by the district administration. Before that, the space had housed the Jessore Chamber of Commerce and Industry office.
The last president of the district Awami League was Shahidul Islam Milan, who was unable to explain the non-payment of rent, as he is currently in prison. Other key leaders of the party, including General Secretary Shahin Chaklader, are missing.
Following the unrest and the escape of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, angry mobs attacked the ‘Jabir International’ hotel, owned by Shahin Chaklader, and later targeted the nearby district Awami League office.
Liberty News’ local correspondent states that in response to the query about legal action against the illegal occupation, Sujan Sarkar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Jessore, stated that the AC Land Officer has been instructed to submit a report.
LND/BAIZID
