|| Abu Saeed Chowdhury, Gazipur:Residents have alleged that around 88 decimals of government khas land, including a pond, were filled with sand overnight near Mim Garments on Tilaragathi Road, Mudafa area, in Ward No. 52 of Gazipur City Corporation.Locals say a politically influential and powerful group is behind the illegal filling. The incident has sparked widespread concern and anger in the area.According to local sources, the land falls under Khatian No. 1 and is classified as government khas land, with the Government of Bangladesh listed as the sole owner. Although the pond has long been recognized as public property, a powerful quarter has recently been trying to grab it secretly, residents allege.They claim trucks brought in sand late at night to fill the pond rapidly, allegedly to construct structures later and claim ownership.Locals estimate the current market value of each katha at around Tk 30 lakh, putting the total value of the 88 decimals at several crores. Concerned citizens believe an organized group has become active to seize the high-value public property.“The government property belongs to the people. Yet some influential individuals are trying to grab it under the cover of darkness,” said several residents who requested anonymity. “If the administration doesn’t act quickly, the entire land will be lost.”Residents allege that although the matter was brought to the attention of local administration, no visible action has been taken so far. They say the inaction has made the grabbers more reckless. They demanded an immediate halt to the illegal filling, identification of those responsible, legal action, and recovery of the government land.Civic groups say grabbing khas land is not only a violation of the law but also an infringement on citizens’ rights. They urged the administration to take strict and swift steps to protect state property, warning that such attempts will increase if left unchecked.Questions are now being raised: Under whose protection is the group acting so boldly, and why has the administration remained silent?