A local Awami League (AL) leader built a huge illegal structure, filling up about 30 decimals of land belonging to Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), at KPI (Key Point Infrastructure) beside the Teesta Barrage bypass road in Hatibandha upazila.

Despite serving notices twice, the owner of the illegal building is reluctant to shift the structure and continuing his business as the authorities concerned turn a blind eye due to unknown reason.

Sources said Gaddimari Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Abu Bakkar Siddique Shyamol, also organising secretary of Hatibandha upazila unit AL, built the illegal structure on the WDB land and continuing his restaurant business there.

Meanwhile, freedom fighter Motahar Hossain, MP of Lalmonirhat-1 constituency and district AL president, formally inaugurated illegal establishment that has been named 'Bairali Fast Food Chinese Restaurant and Community Centre' on July 7.

According to WDB officials at Dalia, Shyamal forcibly occupied 30 decimals of land of WDB at Teesta Barrage's KPI area and constructed the illegal establishment just besides the flood bypass road.

Although he was served separate notices on August 11 and August 25, 2021, to stop the illegal construction work, he didn't pay heed. Later, WDB authorities lodged a written complaint with Hatibandha Police Station on September 1 the same year.

Asfa Uddoula, WDB executive engineer at Dalia, said despite submitting two written applications to the district administration on September 23, 2021 and June 6 this year in this regard, the authorities concerned yet to take any measures to evict the illegal structure.

"We have informed our higher authorities about the matter and action will be taken according to their instructions," he added.

Contacted, UP Chairman Shyamol said his forefathers owned the land.

WDB acquired the land years ago, but did not pay the compensation, Shyamol said, adding that a case has been pending with High Court (HC) in this regard.

When asked about the matter, Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abu Jafor said an eviction drive is under process and they were working on it.

MP Motahar Hossain said WDB authorities never told him anything in this regard.

He wanted to build a public toilet next to the Teesta Barrage, but WDB authorities did not permitted him to do so, he said.