Multiple allegations of attempted occupation and misuse of political influence have surfaced surrounding the high-value, elite property ‘Manola Hill’ near the GEC intersection in Chattogram city. The original owners have accused influential figures of the ruling party of being involved in this prolonged and dramatic property dispute.
Sources reveal that on June 21, 2022, a group led by Sheikh Hasina’s cousin and former FBCCI President Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, his business partner Mohammad Nurul Islam, Chattogram Metropolitan Awami League leader Mohiuddin Bachchu, and Ward Councillor Giyas Uddin carried out an attack on Manola Hill. Allegedly, property worth around 20 million BDT was looted and vandalized during the raid. Following this, the attackers illegally occupied the property.
However, after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the situation changed dramatically. The occupiers suddenly fled the premises, and after nearly two and a half years, the rightful owner Syed Jihad Rahman and his partner Nurul Azim were finally able to reclaim their property.
Even so, peace has not returned. The owners have now accused a group allegedly linked to the Jamaat-e-Islami of attempting a fresh takeover of Manola Hill. They claim that under the guidance of former occupier Nurul Islam, a Jamaat leader and the Managing Director of Arab Properties Limited, Md. Elias, is currently plotting a new occupation effort.
Thanks to the surveillance of high-ranking police officials and the intervention of the army, this new attempt has not yet succeeded.
The prolonged and complex conflict over Manola Hill has caught the attention of Chattogram’s residents. Concerned parties are demanding a neutral investigation and strict legal action against the perpetrators to ensure that no one dares to carry out such politically-backed land grabs in the future.
.
