Beanibazar Mukhtijoddha Complex has remained locked since its inauguration one year back, said local freedom fighters.
After its inauguration by Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, the complex was opened for only one day for a reception programme, the freedom fighters alleged.
They also said freedom fighters have no place here for holding any meeting or gathering which obstructs their activities.
Contacted, Upazila Executive Engineer Ramendra Hom Chowdhury told UNB that the Local Government Engineering Department built the four-storey complex spending Tk 3.5 crore.
There are eight shops on its ground floor, freedom fighter offices on the 1st and 2nd floors and an auditorium on the 3rd floor.
“On completion of the construction works, the complex building was handed over to the authorities concerned one year ago. But, we don’t know why the building is not being handed over to freedom fighters. Now, the key of the building is with the upazila nirbahi officer,” he added.
Shahid Ali, former commander of Pouro Mukhtijoddha Sangsad, said they requested the UNO several times for opening the building. “We also brought it to the notice of the local MP and the Deputy Commissioner of the district, but there has been no response so far,” he added.
Although it was supposed to be built on 18 decimals of land, it was done on only eight decimals, he said adding, “A local powerful group is trying to occupy the rest of the land.”
Shahid Ali said he had requested the local administration to settle the issue and transfer the land to the Sangsad. “But, an influential quarter is now trying to grab the land. Although the administration promised to settle the dispute, no initiative has been taken yet,” he added.
On the other hand, upazila parishad chairman and former commander of the sangsad Ataur Rahman Khan said there is a division among the local freedom fights. “As long as they reach an understanding, the complex should not be opened,” he said.
Contacted, Beanibazar UNO Kazi Arifur Rahman said as there is no elected commander of freedom fighters, it is his responsibility to take care of the complex. “So, I kept the key with me,” said the UNO.
“I’ll hand over it to an elected commander once I get the government instruction,” he added.
