Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 23, 2026 (BSS) - Landowners affected by acquisition for the Rajshahi Medical University establishment project have received long-awaited compensation cheques following the resolution of legal and procedural complications.

The cheques were distributed at a programme held at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room this morning. Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam presided over the event.

Officials said a total of Tk 2,05,84,422 was disbursed among 17 landowners whose lands were acquired for the medical university project. With the payment, affected families who had been waiting for an extended period finally received financial relief.

Among the recipients was Anwar Hossain of the Bospada area in Rajshahi city, who received Tk 45,63,984. Expressing his reaction after receiving the cheque, he said, "With the DC's help, I finally received the compensation cheque after overcoming case complications."

He said that about one bigha of land owned by his mother in Baje Silinda area of Paba upazila had been acquired for the project. The property was jointly owned by five brothers and three sisters. Although compensation was expected in 2024, disputes and legal complexities delayed the payment.

"Even after the cheques were prepared, we faced difficulties due to legal issues. Later, with the sincere cooperation of the Deputy Commissioner, those problems were resolved. Today we finally received the long-awaited cheque, for which we are grateful," he added.

Speaking at the programme, Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam said the medical university project aims to improve healthcare services in the region.

"You have supported this development initiative by giving up your land. In return, the government is providing compensation at nearly three times the market value," he said.

He added that the administration is working to ensure speedy disbursement of compensation funds. "We are taking necessary steps to resolve legal complications wherever they arise so that landowners do not suffer unnecessarily," he said.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohinul Hasan, Land Acquisition Officer Abhijit Sarkar, and other officials of the district administration were also present.

After the distribution, the landowners expressed satisfaction and relief, thanking the administration and expressing hope for the timely completion of the project.