Md. Nur Alam, Rupganj: The ACI Salt Company has allegedly occupied land worth over Tk 50 crore near the Shitalakshya River in Murapara Union, Rupganj Upazila, Narayanganj, but no effective eviction drive has been conducted so far. Although the factory was recently fined Tk 2 lakh for waste mismanagement during a mobile court drive on September 18, the land-grabbing allegations remain valid.
Rupganj Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Tariqul Alam, who led the drive, confirmed that the factory has been dumping waste directly into the river and occupying Water Development Board (Paubo) land. The factory reportedly holds environmental clearance documents, but they have not been renewed for nearly 11 years. Locals allege that the company obtained the land through former Murapara Union Parishad chairman Tofail Ahmed Almas and by leveraging political influence.
Residents say salt particles from the factory are rusting nearby tin roofs and damaging crops, while river water pollution is threatening local fish and agriculture. Despite repeated complaints, the Department of Environment allegedly continues to renew the factory’s license without enforcing conditions.
ACI Salt Manager Niyamul Bari claimed the land was legally leased from Paubo but could not provide supporting documents. Meanwhile, Rupganj Upazila Executive Officer Saiful Islam Joy said an executive magistrate would be sent to the factory within a week to carry out an eviction drive.
Narayanganj Environment Department Deputy Director HM Rashed stated that the factory’s waste mismanagement and pollution violations are serious, noting that the factory’s Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) is not being used, and direct disposal into the river violates the Environment Act.
Paubo Sub-Divisional Engineer Md. Rakibul Alam Rajib confirmed that the lease period for the land has expired, and permanent construction on it is illegal. He added that the board is ready to reclaim the property with the support of a government surveyor and expects the eviction to be completed within two to three days.
Despite assurances from local authorities, locals claim no significant action has been taken, and environmental pollution, crop damage, and property loss continue. The situation has raised serious questions about the enforcement of environmental and land laws, the role of the Department of Environment, and the influence of powerful local actors in Rupganj.
