Former Member of Parliament (MP) Ilias Uddin Molla, representing the Dhaka-16 constituency, has been accused of illegally occupying 700 acres of government land in Mirpur, Rupnagar, and Pallabi areas. The allegations include constructing slums, temporary markets, and shops on the seized land, while illegally providing utility connections such as electricity, gas, and water to these structures. Molla is also accused of collecting monthly rents and extortion money from these illegal establishments.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation into the matter following complaints that Molla amassed vast wealth through corrupt practices, including land grabbing and money laundering. A three-member inquiry team, led by Deputy Director Mozammel Hossain, has been formed to investigate the allegations. The team has requested relevant records from various government and private offices, including banks, insurance companies, the National Board of Revenue, city corporations, and utility service providers.

According to the allegations, Molla used his influence to control government land, including wetlands and water bodies in Mirpur. He allegedly maintained a 50-member strong gang to enforce his control over these areas. The ACC is also probing claims that Molla and his family members accumulated illegal assets both domestically and abroad.

One of the major sources of Molla’s alleged illegal income is the Duaripara area, where 473 plots were allocated for government employees in 1981. Molla reportedly took control of these plots, extorting money from residents by threatening eviction. Over the years, he allegedly divided the plots into over 700 smaller ones, further increasing his illegal earnings.

Despite multiple eviction drives and court rulings in favor of the government, Molla and his associates repeatedly reoccupied the land. Local residents claim that Molla’s network collected daily rents from temporary shops and footpath vendors across several neighborhoods, including Rupnagar, Pallabi, and Mirpur.

Molla, a four-time MP from the Awami League, has declared assets worth Tk 3.11 crore in his 2024 affidavit, a figure locals have dismissed as grossly understated. The ACC’s investigation aims to uncover the full extent of his alleged illegal wealth and activities.