A canal excavation project in Jamalpur’s Sarishabari has been suspended following a clash between the supporters of ruling party lawmaker Dr Murad Hassan and an incumbent Union Parishad chairman.
Empty shots were also fired during the clash that took place in Aona Union’s Batikamari area on Tuesday evening.
Amid the chaos, the authorities suspended activities of the government project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).
According to locals, during the current fiscal year, the LGED undertook a project worth Tk66 lakh for the Kabariabari canal-Barbaid excavation.
Aona Union Parishad Chairman Bellal Hossain was overseeing the project, though the Kabariabari canal-Barbaid Unnayan Samiti Limited was tasked with the implementation of the project.
From the beginning of the project, there was tension between the supporters of Dr Murad, a former state minister who was forced to resign following his indecent remarks on women, and UP Chairman Bellal.
On Tuesday evening, one Ripon Bepari led MP Murad’s men to take over the project while former president of Chhatra League’s Aona unit Abu Bakkar Siddiqui’s men tried to stop them, leading to the clash.
According to Ripon Bepari, there were several irregularities in the project.
He alleged that the project officials were working at their whim, without coordinating with the local land owners.
“We went to talk about it but Abu Bakkar Siddiqui fired two empty rounds at that time,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kabariabari-Barbaid Unnayan Samabay Samiti limited General Secretary Nurul Islam complained that some men led by Ripon had been threatening them for money.
“They attacked the project areas and halted the excavation work when we refused to pay them,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
Siddiqui refuted the allegation of using firearms, saying there was no incident of firing shots.
He also alleged that Dr Murad’s men were demanding bribes and tried to stop the project work.
UP Chairman Bellal said that around three kilometres of the Jica-funded project was already completed.
Sharishabari Upazila Engineer Zahidul Islam could not be reached for comments as his mobile phone was found switched off.
According to Tarakandi police station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Latif, locals halted the canal excavation project over allegations of irregularities.
Police visited the spot. “Legal action will be taken if a written complaint is filed in this regard,” he added.
Dr Murad could not be reached for comments despite several attempts.
