Victory for Citizens: Administration Halts Illegal Occupation of Nikunja-2 Playground

​Special Correspondent : ​The aggressive attempt to occupy the sole playground in the Nikunja-2 residential area for a Boishakhi Mela (traditional fair) has been thwarted by intense public outcry and firm administrative intervention. Following continuous media coverage exposing the irregularities, the Nikunja-2 Welfare Society was forced to revoke its controversial and ‘alleged’ permit.

​However, the society’s retreat was a mere formality. At least 24 hours before their official cancellation, the local administration conducted a raid on the venue and shut down all fair activities. Authorities issued a strict directive to dismantle all temporary structures overnight, ensuring the field was cleared for public use.

​The incident has raised serious questions regarding how a welfare society, registered under the Department of Social Services, could lease a vital public open space for commercial purposes without authorization from the City Corporation or the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Local residents expressed outrage over the decision to lease the children’s only recreational space for private gain without any community consultation.

​An Unlawful Lease Under an Ad-hoc Committee
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Investigations revealed that the Nikunja-2 Welfare Society currently lacks an elected executive committee. It is being managed by an ad-hoc committee led by Administrator Insan Ali, an official appointed by the Department of Social Services. Members of the society expressed deep resentment over how a government-appointed representative could bypass higher authorities to allot a playground for a commercial fair.
​An official order signed by Administrator Insan Ali showed the permit was granted to an individual named Kuddus, who has no ties to the Nikunja area. His permanent address was listed as Ershadnagar, Gazipur. Authorities have failed to provide a valid explanation for granting a lease in a prime Dhaka residential area to an outsider. Locals allege that the deal was fueled by substantial financial transactions and high-level political collusion.

​The Syndicate Behind the Scenes

​On-ground inquiries and interviews with residents identified a powerful syndicate orchestrating the fair. Allegations suggest the occupation was directly supervised by Khilkhet Thana BNP Joint Convener Md. Zahir Uddin Babu (Zahir Babu), former General Secretary of Thana Jubo Dal Murad Majumder, and Md. Alam Morol (alias Hotel Messiar Morol), the Member Secretary of Ward 96 Jubo Dal.
​Eyewitnesses, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that dozens of followers from this group worked in shifts from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon to expedite construction. They reportedly stood guard to prevent local youth or residents from entering the field or protesting the encroachment. This attempt to utilize political clout for personal profit was ultimately neutralized by the administration’s swift action.

​Field Reclaimed by Local Youth

​By Monday afternoon, a visit to the site confirmed that the field—except for a small portion of a food court on the northern side—had been cleared of all structures. Local youth were seen spontaneously playing football, an activity that had been effectively banned during the illegal occupation.

​”We are incredibly relieved that the administration shut down the fair,” said Ishtiaque, a local youth. “We want this playground to remain open for sports only. We hope it never falls victim to such commercial greed again.”

​M. Tanveer Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner (Gulshan Division) of the DMP, stated categorically that closing a playground for any fair or commercial event is illegal and against public interest. “There was no valid administrative approval for the Boishakhi Mela at the Nikunja-2 playground. Therefore, the police have legally shut it down,” he added.

​This incident serves as a reminder that syndicates cannot override public interest when the community and administration stand united. Residents are now demanding that the relevant ministry increase oversight to prevent ad-hoc committees from making such reckless decisions in the future and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.