DHAKA: Khas land worth Tk 320 crore in the capital’s Tejgaon industrial area has gone into the grabbers’ grips thanks to a section of suspected corrupt in the Land Ministry.

An investigation by banglanews24.com.bd revealed that a total of 32.20 acres of ‘khash’ land has been recorded in private ownership by forging documents with the help of officials and employees of the ministry.

Accounts superintendent (revenue) of the ministry Md. Mashuk Billah Aref Khan informed the ministry about the grabbing of lands in 2005. But the ministry is yet to take any initiative to reclaim the land.

In January 19, 2006, a three-member committee was formed with additional deputy commissioner of Dhaka Md Kamrul Ahsan as convener to probe the matter, which had detected the fraud.

The committee accused assistant land officer Md Asad Ullah and former Najir Md Jamal Hossain of the corruption. But they went scot-free so far.

Replying to a query, Land Minister Rezaul Karim Heera told banglanews24.com.bd that he knew nothing about this matter. “We will definitely take action against the persons involved,” he said.

Land secretary Md Ataharul Islam said the forged documents would be cancelled through gazette notification.

Besides, the Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka has also been directed to take action against those responsible for the corruption, he added.

BDST: 2121 HRS. AUGUST 16, 2010