Deed writers demand removal of sub-registrar for 'corruption'

Deed writers of Bochaganj upazila of the district staged a demonstration yesterday, demanding removal of the upazila sub-registrar Md Golam Mortuza for his alleged corruption and harassment in registering land.

They also besieged the sub-registrar's office to realise their demand.

Recording of land sales in the upazila has been halted for a month as the deed writers have been on an indefinite strike since February 2, demanding removal of the sub-registrar.

Mizanur Rahman, president of Dinajpur Deed Writers' Samity and vice president of Bochaganj upazila AL, said Md Golam Mortuza joined Bochaganj sub-registrar's office on August 3 last year.

"After joining, he has not processed any land selling papers without taking bribe. If anybody declined to pay bribe he was subjected to harassment," Mizanur said. The sub-registrar also threatened to cancel the licence of the deed writers for protesting his misbehaviour and corruption, Mizanur added.

During a visit to Bochaganj upazila, this correspondent saw posters pasted in different places in the upazila demanding removal of the upazila sub-registrar.

The sufferers, including those who want to sell or purchase land, also joined in the agitation yesterday as sub-registrar Md Golam Mortuza directly demanded bribe from them.

"He demanded Tk 10,000 as bribe from me," said Abdul Hye of Murshidhat village.