Faisal Azam Apu, Nawabganj: There have been allegations of collecting extra rent from buyers at the traditional Ranihati and Tartipur haats in Shibganj of Chapainawabganj on Saturday. The aggrieved buyers complained against the tenants to the extent that they were being taken in excess of the prescribed rent. According to the complaint, rent is being taken up to Tk 600 per cow and up to Tk 400 per goat. On the spot, on Saturday (July 28) at Ranihati and Tartipur Hat 2, it was seen that there were no billboards on the rent list in the hats. Moreover, there is no problem of social distance and observance of hygiene rules during coronation. Hat authorities are not running any publicity campaign.
In this regard, Mostaqul Islam Pintu Mia, the lessee of Ranihati Cattle and Goat Hat, said on the phone that even though it was less in the past, now there is a provision to charge rent of Tk 500 per cow and Tk 250 per goat. He said he did not know about the high rent as he was busy. However, the leaseholder said that if his partners and representatives took more rent, it would be rectified.
When asked about the lack of rent in the receipts given to the buyers, Tipu said that even though they are the tenants of many haats, they do not mention the amount of money in any of the receipts.
In this regard, Ranihati Union Parishad Chairman Asraf Ali said the district administration has fixed a rent of Tk 500 per cow and Tk 300 per goat. Action will be taken against anyone who takes more than the prescribed rent and if there is any allegation of not mentioning the amount of rent in the receipt.
Meanwhile, on the occasion of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Azha, the locals are drawing the attention of the concerned authorities to keep the issue of rent collection correct.
