Student leaders in Naogaon allegedly constructed a restaurant on designated government land that was reportedly given as a gift.
In the heart of Naogaon's Manda upazila, a new restaurant named "Manda River Court" has stirred up a storm of controversy. Three student leaders, Ripon, Fahim, and Sozib, are at the centre of the controversy, having constructed the establishment on land belonging to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD).
According to reports, the student leaders claimed they applied for a lease with the RHD in April. However, the RHD denies granting any permission for construction on government property, deeming the construction of the restaurant as illegal.
The restaurant, located near the Atrai River ferry ghat bridge along the Naogaon-Rajshahi highway, was inaugurated under the protection of the upazila administration. Semi-permanent structures were erected for the occasion, and allegations of police intimidation towards those who tried to intervene have surfaced.
The inauguration was overseen by former UNO Shah Alam Mia, who is alleged to have "gifted" the land to the student leaders before his transfer on 14 July. Shah Alam Mia, however, has stated that he was not fully aware of the construction of the restaurant.
Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Awal was informed about the inauguration, but did not attend. He has since instructed the youths to remove the banner and operate the establishment with permission from the relevant authorities. The banner, however, featured Mohammad Abdul Awal as the guest, as confirmed by Shah Alam Mia.
The student leaders are associated with the anti-discrimination movement in Manda upazila. Fazle Rabby, a student leader and representative of the anti-discrimination student movement in Naogaon, has called for a thorough investigation and legal action if wrongdoing is found. Fazle Rabby also demanded legal action against the three student representatives if the allegations against them are found to be true after investigation.
RHD's Naogaon Executive Engineer Rashedul Haque has confirmed that while lease applications had been received, no permission was granted. The RHD's stance on the matter is clear - the construction of the restaurant is illegal.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the community awaits the outcome of the investigation and the actions of the authorities regarding the illegal construction of the Manda River Court restaurant. Further details about the student leaders, Ripon, Fahim, and Sozib, and any potential land disputes involving the Roads and Highways Department can be found through local news sources, official government reports, or community forums related to Naogaon's Manda upazila.
- The controversy surrounding the Manda River Court restaurant has expanded into the realms of general news and politics, as allegations of illegal construction on government property have been levied against three student leaders, Ripon, Fahim, and Sozib.
- Furthermore, the crime-and-justice sector may also become involved, as a thorough investigation has been called for by Fazle Rabby, a student leader and representative of the anti-discrimination movement in Naogaon, regarding potential wrongdoing related to the Manda River Court restaurant and the student leaders, Ripon, Fahim, and Sozib.
