KUSHTIA : Allegations of a longstanding land dispute and intimidation have emerged following a fire at the ancestral home of National Citizen Party (NCP) leader and reserved-seat MP Nusrat Tabassum in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia.
Idris Ali, a 67-year-old resident of Bagowan village, filed a case at Daulatpur Police Station on Saturday, November 14, accusing the lawmaker’s father, Abdul Halim, of vandalising his homestead, assaulting him and grabbing his land. Eight to 10 unidentified people were also named as accused, according to media reports.
Daulatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Khaledur Rahman confirmed the filing of the case, saying that Idris Ali had lodged the complaint against Abdul Halim and several unidentified individuals.
“The case has been filed over allegations of land grabbing, vandalism and assault. It is under investigation, and further legal action will be taken,” the OC was quoted as saying by local media.
Kushtia district police spokesperson Additional Superintendent of Police Faisal Mahmud also confirmed that a case had been filed against Abdul Halim.
Sub-Inspector Mohsin Chowdhury, who was assigned to investigate the case, told Jago News24 that he had been appointed as the investigating officer but had not yet started the investigation.
Five-year-old land dispute
According to the complaint, Idris Ali purchased approximately four and a quarter kathas of land around five years ago from Abdul Halim’s brothers, Mahfuzur Rahman and Monju Master, through a registered deed.
After taking possession, Idris allegedly built a house on the property and began living there with his wife. The land is reportedly located near the ancestral home of Nusrat Tabassum.
Idris alleged that on September 13, 2025, Abdul Halim and his associates attacked his homestead, vandalised the house and took away belongings. He also claimed that a case was subsequently filed against him, resulting in his imprisonment.
After securing bail, Idris allegedly discovered that the disputed land had been occupied by Abdul Halim. He further claimed that he had been threatened with another criminal case, including an arms case, if he continued to pursue the dispute.
Fearing further harassment, Idris reportedly left his home and took shelter at his in-laws’ residence. He also alleged that the prolonged dispute and loss of his homestead had affected his health and that he had suffered a stroke.
Allegations emerge after fire at MP’s ancestral home
The latest complaint came two days after a fire broke out at Nusrat Tabassum’s ancestral home in Bagowan village on the night of November 12.
The NCP leader alleged that the fire was caused by a petrol bomb attack and blamed political opponents for the incident.
Separately, an account circulating about the incident claimed that Nusrat contacted the Daulatpur police OC around 2:00am, expressing security concerns over the alleged presence of Awami League activists near her residence and the chanting of “Joy Bangla” slogans.
According to that account, police visited the house but could not verify the reported presence of Awami League activists or the chanting of slogans after speaking to local residents.
The account further alleged that Nusrat expressed suspicion about Idris Ali and suggested that police question him. It also claimed that Idris subsequently learned that police were gathering information about him and feared being implicated in the fire-related case.
However, these details concerning the late-night police visit and the alleged suspicion against Idris have not been independently established.
Abdul Halim denies knowledge of case
Responding to the allegations, Abdul Halim told Prothom Alo that he was unaware of the case.
He claimed that Idris did not live in the area and had disputes with several local residents. He also said he believed Idris had been absconding since August 5, 2024.
Acknowledging a previous land transaction involving his brothers, Abdul Halim suggested that Idris might have filed the case at someone’s instigation.
“I do not know anything about the case yet,” he was quoted as saying.
Idris, meanwhile, told Prothom Alo that he had purchased the land from Abdul Halim’s brothers and had previously filed a case with the police over the incident in 2025.
Speaking to the media, he expressed hope that police would conduct a fair investigation and ensure justice.
The allegations of land grabbing, intimidation and political influence remain subject to investigation. Police have confirmed the latest case, but no findings have yet been announced.
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