Sirajganj:Compensation cheques worth approximately Tk 500 crore have been distributed to landowners for 420 acres of land acquired for the Sirajganj section of the Sirajganj-Bogura dual-gauge railway project.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the notices for land acquisition were issued in April 2024 under Section 4 of the Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Act, covering 37 mouzas across Kamarkhanda, Raiganj, and Sirajganj Sadar upazilas. The Ministry of Land approved the acquisitions in March 2025, and the Ministry of Railways allocated Tk 1,126 crore for compensation and related expenses.
Since late 2025, approximately Tk 500 crore has been disbursed to landowners in the Sirajganj section. However, officials noted that the remaining compensation payments might be delayed due to legal disputes and land-related issues.
Md Niamat Ali Khan Himel, the land acquisition officer at the Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner's Office, stated that compensation has been provided to eligible landowners following government regulations. The district administration is actively overseeing the process, with Deputy Commissioner Md Aminul Islam and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Mst. Nur Naher Begum in charge.
In response to allegations of misconduct, action has been taken against several land acquisition office officials and employees, and the office is now under CCTV surveillance. Officials anticipate that once the legal and land issues are resolved, the remaining compensation could be disbursed by the end of 2027.
The distribution of compensation cheques has been a source of relief for many landowners affected by the railway project.