Dhaka, Dec. 4 -- Long-standing disputes over government-acquired land in Nilphamari have once again intensified, centering on the Water Development Board's (WDB) Buritista River excavation and reservoir development project. Vast areas acquired decades ago remain under the control of influential local occupiers, leaving the multi-crore taka project stalled for years.
According to WDB sources, a total of 1,217.61 acres (492.50 hectares) of land in the Buritista area was acquired during the 1966-67 fiscal year. Official land records still list these plots under the Water Development Board. However, over the years, much of the land has fallen under the control of influential land grabbers.
On February 27, 2022, WDB launched an eviction drive ...