Khulna: Sufia Khatun, a beggar over 70 years old, has finally reclaimed her homestead with the assistance of the Khulna Zonal Settlement Office (ZSO) after enduring prolonged harassment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sufia, a childless widow, has been surviving by begging after a powerful local individual seized her 27-decimal inherited land in Islamkathi Mouza, Tala Upazila of Satkhira, by forging documents during the previous Awami League government’s tenure. Despite seeking help from various quarters, including her local parliament member, no one came forward to assist her in reclaiming her ancestral property.
After learning about the potential assistance from the Khulna ZSO, Sufia began visiting the office regularly, but initially, her pleas went unheard due to her status as a poor, elderly beggar. Her fortunes changed when she encountered Md. Yusuf Ali, the Khulna Zonal Settlement Officer, who listened to her plight and arranged a hearing. Following a thorough investigation, the claim was validated, and the land records were officially restored in her name.
Sufia expressed her relief and joy to BSS, stating that she now sleeps peacefully in her own home, despite continuing to beg for sustenance. Her experience is not isolated; Ajiar Rahman of Padmapukur Mouza also had his fish farm land returned after fraudulent seizure, thanks to the ZSO’s intervention. Over the past six months, numerous victims of land fraud have successfully regained their properties through the ZSO’s efforts.
The Khulna ZSO has seen a significant reduction in harassment and fraudulent activities, with increased transparency and efficiency in handling land disputes. Manual field surveys and khatian preparation have been ongoing for decades, but recent efforts have accelerated the process, with more mouzas being gazetted monthly.
Yusuf Ali, the Khulna Zonal Settlement Officer, emphasized the office’s commitment to transparency and justice, stating that citizens with proper documentation will receive their rightful lands. He acknowledged the challenges of resolving long-pending cases but assured continued efforts to address land-related issues.