MOHAMMAD MOINUDDIN
Staff Reporter | AdChannel24.com
Publication Date: October 19, 2026
Questions surrounding the lease and use of railway land in Mirsharai, Chattogram, have once again drawn attention to past allegations involving former Member of Parliament Mahbub Ur Rahman Ruhel. An investigative report published in October 2024 highlighted issues concerning permission to use railway land, the amount of land leased, and requests for additional land. However, the claim that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has recently filed a new case against him based on these issues could not be independently verified.
According to a report published by *Khoborer Kagoj* on October 6, 2024, information emerged regarding the leasing and use of railway land in the Paschim Hinguli Mouza of Mirsharai. The report stated that Mahbub Ur Rahman Ruhel had applied to lease a specific amount of land. According to railway records, the amount of land licensed was less than the amount requested in the application. The report also mentioned a subsequent application seeking additional land.
The report included statements from relevant railway officials, who said that an investigation would be conducted to determine whether the land had been occupied illegally. They also stated that eviction measures could be taken in accordance with the law if evidence of illegal occupation were found.
Railway land is a public asset. When such land is leased or used, established rules and regulations must be followed, and the relevant authorities must maintain proper oversight. Determining whether any individual or organization is using land beyond the approved limits falls within the responsibilities of the relevant authorities.
In particular, the use of land belonging to an important public institution such as Bangladesh Railway requires consistency among lease conditions, land measurements, authorized uses, and official records. Any discrepancies should be examined through an appropriate investigation. However, questions about a land lease and the legal establishment of illegal occupation are two different matters. The allegations must be assessed by examining relevant documents and obtaining statements from the authorities concerned.
Mirsharai is an important upazila in Chattogram. Land use and leasing in the area are closely connected to industrial development, business activities, and transportation infrastructure. Ensuring the proper use of public land is therefore an important responsibility of the local administration and the relevant institutions. If allegations of irregularities involving railway land arise, they should be investigated transparently, and the findings should be made available to the public.
It is also important to obtain statements from all relevant parties when such allegations are reported. Railway records, lease agreements, land measurements, and statements from the individuals concerned should be examined to establish the facts. If an investigation uncovers evidence of irregularities, legal action may be taken in accordance with applicable laws. Conversely, if sufficient evidence is not found to support the allegations, that outcome should also be clearly communicated.
It is important to note that the 2024 report concerned the leasing and use of railway land. It cannot be treated as evidence that a new case was filed on October 19, 2026. Confirmation of any new ACC case against Mahbub Ur Rahman Ruhel concerning the alleged land-related irregularities would require an official statement from the commission or a reliable, up-to-date news report.
Protecting public assets and ensuring impartial investigations into allegations of corruption are essential elements of good governance. Therefore, the questions raised about the use of railway land should be properly resolved. At the same time, journalists have a responsibility to report verified information and avoid presenting allegations as proven offences.
