Noakhali Correspondent: Sub-Registrar Sirajul Haque has faced a backlash after submitting an investigative report—ordered by the court—regarding a suspicious deed in Sonaimuri, Noakhali. He alleges that following the submission of the report, an accused individual in the case, upon being released from jail, maliciously published news reports against him. However, the journalist in question has denied the allegation, claiming that their deed is not forged and asserting that the Sub-Registrar submitted the report without conducting a proper investigation.
According to sources at the Sonaimuri Sub-Registrar's office, allegations arose against local journalist Md. Selim Mia—along with his father, brother, uncle, and cousin—regarding the mutation of land and the occupation of another person's property using a fake and forged deed. A dispute ensued, revealing discrepancies between deed number 211/2001 and the records preserved at the relevant office, which raised questions about the deed's validity. Mujibul Haque, claiming to be the rightful owner of the land, challenged the deed's validity by filing Case No. 113/2026 in court. The court directed the relevant official to investigate and submit a report. In accordance with the court's directive, Sub-Registrar Sirajul Haque submitted the report in June 2026.
Sources from the Sub-Registrar's office further revealed that the investigation uncovered inconsistencies regarding the authenticity of the deed, the mutation process, and the possession of the land. The report indicated that there was evidence supporting the allegations that the individuals involved had used a forged deed to secure land mutation and occupy another person's property. Subsequently, following a court ruling, the accused individuals served approximately two months in prison.
Sub-Registrar Sirajul Haque alleged that the accused individuals have recently been released on bail. Local journalist Selim, who had been imprisoned, visited his office on October 4. “I have been personally targeted for submitting an investigation report in compliance with a court order. On October 9, a news report was published containing information inconsistent with the actual events.
He further stated that the language and presentation of the report tarnished his professional standing, social status, and personal reputation. It is alarming when a government official becomes a victim of personal vendetta for simply performing their duties.” He also mentioned that he had sent a legal notice to the newspaper authorities regarding this matter.
Denying the allegations, journalist Salim asserted that their documents were not forged. Questioning the Sub-Registrar's investigation report, he claimed that the report was submitted in a one-sided manner without any proper investigation.
Sohrab Hossain of the Sonaimuri Upazila Deed Writers' Association stated that the published reports concerning the Sub-Registrar were politically motivated. The journalist and several members of his family had previously served jail time on charges related to forged deeds.
In this regard, Sonaimuri Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Jashim Uddin said that a forged deed had been submitted for the mutation of land records. Following a court case on the matter, the Sub-Registrar was directed to investigate and submit a report. He submitted the report after the investigation confirmed the forgery. Jashim Uddin added that he was aware that the individuals involved with the deed had subsequently been sent to jail.
BP/TD
