The photojournalist alleges that a decades-old boundary wall was demolished, coconut trees were cut down, and his family faced threats in Meherpur district. He has called for an impartial investigation and protection for his widowed sister.
Bangladeshi photojournalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol has alleged that individuals are attempting to seize his family’s ancestral property in Meherpur, accusing them of demolishing a decades-old boundary wall, cutting down coconut trees, and threatening a member of his family.
Kajol, editor of the Bengali-language weekly Pakkhakal, says the alleged incidents have left his family concerned about its safety and raised questions about the effectiveness of the local authorities’ response.
According to Kajol, the property is located on Shaheed Hamid Road in Ward 7 of Meherpur municipality. He alleges that the boundary wall, which had stood for approximately 50 years, was demolished on June 11, 2026. On October 10, 2026 several coconut trees in the courtyard were allegedly cut down and removed.
Kajol maintains that the incidents form part of a prolonged effort to take control of the family property while he and his brother, Shahidul Islam Shahin, are living abroad.
Allegations of intimidation and property encroachment
Kajol says his widowed sister is currently living at the ancestral home. He alleges that the absence of the family’s male members from Bangladesh has made the property vulnerable to attempts at forcible occupation.
According to his account, his sister tried to resist the demolition of the boundary wall but was subjected to intimidation and threats to her life.
Kajol has named several individuals in connection with the allegations, including Abdul Karim, also known as Guru; Matiur Rahman; Biltu; Montu; and former police official Nazrul Islam.
These allegations have not been independently established. The named individuals’ responses were not available at the time of writing, and no conclusion can be drawn about their alleged involvement without further investigation and an opportunity for them to respond.
Questions over the police response
Kajol says he contacted an assistant superintendent of police in Meherpur by telephone after the alleged demolition of the boundary wall. According to him, police subsequently visited the location, but he has not seen any effective action against those he accuses.
He has also alleged that he contacted Kamrul Islam by telephone but received no meaningful response regarding the dispute.
However, the available information does not establish whether a formal written complaint or criminal case has been filed, what findings police may have made during their visit, or whether any legal proceedings are underway.
The police’s official position was not available for this report.
Clarification from the local police authorities would be important in determining what action, if any, has been taken and whether the allegations have been formally investigated.
The dispute also raises broader concerns about the protection of property rights when owners live abroad and elderly or otherwise vulnerable family members remain at home. Any allegation of intimidation or unlawful interference with property warrants a fair assessment by the competent authorities, irrespective of the political affiliations or personal connections of those involved.
‘Does living abroad mean losing our ancestral home?’
Expressing concern over the alleged removal of the trees planted by his mother, Kajol said his family feared that the incidents were intended to facilitate the forcible occupation of the property.
“My mother’s coconut trees have been cut down and taken away. Their main objective is to forcibly occupy our land. There is no adult male member living at our house. There is also nobody available to go to the police station and lodge a complaint,” Kajol said.
His account underscores the anxiety he says his sister is experiencing while living at the property without the immediate support of other family members.
Kajol also referred to his own experiences under the previous Awami League government, saying he had faced disappearance and imprisonment. He was widely reported to have gone missing for 53 days in 2020 before being arrested and sent to prison in connection with a case against him.
Despite the subsequent political changes in Bangladesh, Kajol says he remains concerned about the security of his family and the future of his ancestral home.
His past experiences as a journalist give the case an additional public-interest dimension, although the property allegations must be investigated on their own evidence and merits.
Call for an impartial investigation
Kajol has called on the authorities to ensure his sister’s safety, investigate the alleged demolition and removal of the trees, and take appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible.
The immediate questions are whether the destruction of the boundary wall and the removal of the trees can be independently verified, whether the family has submitted a formal complaint, and what steps the police have taken to address the allegations of intimidation and attempted property encroachment.
The authorities should establish the facts through an impartial investigation and ensure that the family can seek legal remedies without intimidation.
The individuals named by Kajol should also be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
For now, the case remains a set of serious allegations awaiting independent verification and an official response. A transparent investigation would help establish the facts, protect the family’s lawful rights, and demonstrate that property disputes are addressed through the rule of law rather than intimidation or the exercise of influence.
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