Land Grabbing and Eviction of indigenous people from their land

The Daily Star, Dhaka, 16 June 2009

Evicted indigenous people living under open sky

Staff Correspondent

The indigenous people, who were evicted from their residences at Khatirpur at Porsha in Naogaon, are living under the open sky without any food, shelter and security as the government has not taken any step yet to stand beside the affected community, revealed a field visit report yesterday.

Bangladesh Adivasi Adhikar Andolon (BAAA) made the field inspection following the June 12 attacks on the indigenous community, evicting at least 74 families, including 56 indigenous ones, from their lands.

“I hope the government will take an initiative to resolve the crisis so that none should feel the necessity to wage a second war for independence,” said Justice Gholam Rabbani at a press briefing at Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the city after disclosing the findings of the visit.

“The people will definitely look out the necessary ways for a second war of independence if the government fails to solve the problem,” he added.

Demanding immediate trial and punishment to the persons involved, lawmaker Fazle Hasan Badsha said, “Nur Hossain master committed two crimes -- one by making fake documents of the lands owned by indigenous people and then making the attacks and repression on the community people.”

BAAA also came up with a five-point demand following the visit, including immediate relief supply to the evictees, compensation to the affected in 72 hours, and punishment to persons, including Nur Hossain and Manjurul, involved in the attacks and arson in 24 hours.

The field visit also revealed that though the incident took place only 14 kilometres away from the local police station, police did not rush to the spot with any help, rather they assisted the attackers in looting valuables.

The field visit also claimed that Nur Hossain did not get any approval from the deputy commissioner in purchasing the land as required when a non-indigenous person wants to buy a piece of land owned by an indigenous person.

Other demands include withdrawal of the officer-in-charge of the local police station for negligence in carrying out his duty and formulation of a land commission to resolve land problems of the Adivasi community.

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The Daily Star, Dhaka, 19 June 2009

Eviction of 74 indigenous families protested

RU Correspondent

Indigenous students of Rajshahi University (RU) yesterday staged a demonstration on the campus demanding exemplary punishment to those who evicted 74 indigenous families from their land at Khatirpur under Porsha upazila of Naogaon district on June 13.

Addressing a rally on the campus, leaders of the Adivasi Students Union (ASU) urged the government to form a separate land commission for indigenous communities and ensure their constitutional rights.

They strongly condemned the June 13 incident and demanded arrest of the local BNP leader and his hired goons who evicted 74 indigenous families.

The ASU leaders alleged that police did not take necessary steps to save indigenous people, rather they played role of mere spectators. They also demanded compensation for the victims.

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The Daily Star, Dhaka, 19 June 2009

Alleged Settlers' Bid to Grab Land

Marma students join Boroitoli protesters

Our Correspondent, Khagrachhari

Members of Bangladesh Marma Students Council (BMSC) yesterday formed a human chain at Muktaman-chha in Khagrachhari town protesting settlers' alleged attempt to grab indigenous people's lands at different places in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

On Sunday last, a clash between settlers and indigenous people over a land dispute at Boroitali in Khagra-chhari district left 17 settlers seriously injured.

Later, the Marma students submitted a memorandum to the state minister for CHT Affairs Ministry through Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdullah demanding immediate steps to stop alleged settlers' bid to grab 300 acres of land at Boroitali in Guimara of Khagrachhari district.

They also demanded forming a high-powered parliamentary committee to investigate the Sunday's incident there, ensuring their traditional land rights through implementing Parbatya Chattagram Land Commission and bringing to justice the settlers and security men involved in land grabbing.

At a protest meeting organised by BMSC at Muktamancha in Khagrachhari hill town yesterday, speakers urged the government to take stern action against the settlers who allegedly wanted to grab 300 acres of indigenous people's land at Boroitali and their patronisers. They also urged ensuring security of the indigenous communities.

BMSC President Upaching Marma, Secretary Mongsaprue Marma, and Member Kayajai Marma spoke at the meeting.

Earlier on Wednesday, indigenous people of Boroitali village at a protest meeting on the premises of Khagrachhari deputy commissioner's office demanded stern action against attempt to grab indigenous people's land at Boroitali.

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