Police launch probe into unauthorized fish sale from seized estate in Chandpur
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Chandpur district police have launched an official investigation into allegations that officers unlawfully harvested and sold fish from a government-controlled enclosure, locally known as Tipunagar, in the Haimchar Upazila of Chandpur.
Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman ordered the formation of a one-member probe committee on Tuesday evening to determine the validity of the claims and identify any potential corruption or procedural irregularities. Additional Superintendent of Police Khairul Kabir has been appointed to lead the inquiry and is required to submit a comprehensive report within seven working days.
The site, situated on a 48.52-acre island in the Meghna River within Nilkamal Union, has been subject to legal dispute for years. Following the acquisition of the land in 2019 by Jawadur Rahim Wadud—the brother of former Education Minister Dipu Moni—and his associates, the area was developed into fish enclosures, livestock farms, and orchards. The property is currently under court control, with the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Haimchar Police Station appointed as the official receiver to oversee its management.
Allegations arose following reports that former Haimchar Police Station OC Mohammad Nazmul Hasan bypassed mandatory government procedures to harvest and sell fish from the enclosures. Reports indicate that on August 15, under the direction of the OC, Sub-Inspector Zakir Hossain harvested a significant quantity of fish and sold them for 39,000 taka in the nearby Haidarganj market. No open auction or tender process was conducted, and the proceeds were not immediately deposited into the state treasury.
Sub-Inspector Zakir Hossain confirmed the harvesting operation, noting that the fish were sold on the former OC’s orders. He stated that the responsibility for depositing the funds into the state treasury rested with Nazmul Hasan. Hasan, who was transferred to the Chandpur Police Lines on August 19, defended the action by claiming that local residents had been stealing fish and fruit from the site. He asserted that the harvest was conducted to assess the stock, adding that the proceeds would be deposited into the treasury shortly.
Haimchar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Nazrul Islam refuted the police’s handling of the property, clarifying that the disposal of any government-held assets must be conducted through a formal auction. He confirmed that the police neither organized a public auction nor notified the local administration of the sale, and the funds remain unaccounted for in the state treasury.
The current Officer-in-Charge of Haimchar Police Station, Shah Alam, who assumed office on August 23, declined to comment on the matter, citing his recent arrival at the station.
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