Local residents and members of affected families held a human chain outside the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday, demanding an impartial investigation into allegations of land grabbing, extortion, assault, drug dealing, harassment through cases and illegal sand filling on agricultural land in Kaliganj, Gazipur. Speakers sought protection for complainants and victims and called for legal action if allegations are proven.

Participants raised allegations involving Kaliganj upazila BNP member secretary Khalekuzzaman Bablu, his brothers Anisur Rahman Ripon and Sohel, and several others. They alleged that political identity and local influence were being used to control markets, land, sand filling and construction work. They also claimed that people who protested or filed complaints faced cases and other forms of harassment.

The demonstrators cited Dubai expatriate Alamgir Kabir’s claim that nearly four bighas of his land had been occupied, while the family of Bayezid Hasan Shibli alleged he was beaten and handed to police after yaba was placed in his pocket. Their six demands included recovering occupied land, investigating the allegations, stopping illegal sand filling, examining claimed political influence and ensuring victims’ safety.