
Rangpur district is one of poorest northern districts in Bangladesh. Poverty and malnutrition are daily matters in the district. There is a lot of Khasland in the district which can be source of livelihood of the poor people. Unfortunately the poor do not have any access to the Khasland. The local influentials with the help of local vested interest have been enjoying the land over the years. The land should be taken-over and distributed among the landless and indigenous people.
Description:
On 29 November 2014 a press conference was held with Asadul Islam Sarker(Asad) in the chair in Hotel Mitali, Rangpur. Bangladesh Adivasi Samity President Sree Biswnath Singh, Advisor of Bangladesh Adivasi Samity Abul Hossain, Bangladesh Kishani Sabha Central Committee Member Sabina Yasmin, Bangladesh Krishok Federation Rangpur District Committee Secretary Aminul Islam Kachu present in the meeting and answered to the question posed by the journalists. In the press conference it is said that the 70 percent people in the district are landless. 80 percent Khasland are with hand of local influentials and rich people. The speakers at the conference asked the government to take proper initiative to recover the land and give away among the genuine landless and indigenous people in the district.
There are 60 persons present in the press conference including 12 journalists. Quite a number of dailies gave the coverage of the news in the press conference. 30 percent of the participants were women.
Key demands:
All Khaslands in the district should be recovered immediately
All Khaslands should be distributed and settled among the landless and indigenous people
Next planning:
Based on the experience of the press conference it is decided that a study should be conducted on the census of the Khasland.
Training for the landless should be held in order to make them understand of their rights to Khasland.
Outcomes:
Through the press conference it has been clear that the landless people are keen with fighting spirit to have the Khasland for their livelihood purpose.
The confidence level of the landless people has increased.
Conclusion:
The fight-back should continue in the district for the benefit of the landless and indigenous people.
Sabina Yasmin
Central Member
Bangladesh Kishani Sabha