Freeing  Nikunja Convention Hall from grabbing demanded

Staff Correspondent: The owners and employees of Nikunja Convention Hall launched a week-long sit-in protest starting yesterday to protect the hall from illegal occupation.

Hariz Mahmud and Monir Hossain, owners of the convention hall, said that on June 27, 2021, they made an agreement with Dr. A.S.M. Badruddoza, the owner of City Dental College, to purchase three and a half floors of the building (located at 73/A Airport Road, Nikunja-2, Khilkhet, Dhaka) to establish a convention hall. Since then, they have been operating their business according to the terms of the contract. However, when the time for registration came, Dr. Badruddoza, using his influence as a member of the ruling Awami League, refused to register the sale and attempted to illegally shut down their business (Nikunja Convention Hall) and evict them.

In response, the owners took the matter to court and after a lengthy hearing, the High Court ruled in their favor on November 20, 2023, issuing an injunction preventing any interference with their business operations. However, on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at around 11:30 AM, Dr. Badruddoza and 20-25 of his staff entered the convention hall and vandalized the property.

The owners immediately informed the police, RAB, and the army camp. About 25-30 minutes later, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Khilkhet Police Station arrived with a force to bring the situation under control. He advised both parties to resolve the issue through discussions.

The next day, however, Dr. Badruddoza’s men came and threatened the owners, telling them to vacate the premises within seven days or they would be forcefully evicted.

The owners remarked that it was Dr. Badruddoza who initially sold them the three floors, but now he is unjustly trying to evict them. They emphasized that over a hundred families, including their staff, rely on this business for their livelihood.

They further added that they have been paying taxes and contributing to the nation’s progress. The current government’s top priority is collective national development, and they have been providing various forms of support to businesses.

The owners expressed hope that the interim government would stand by them and help secure their rightful ownership.