Farmer killed in Rajshahi after being run over by excavator; 1 arrested
SF: The victim was protesting digging of a pond on agricultural land, locals say
A farmer in Rajshahi's Mohanpur upazila was killed on Wednesday night (17 December) after being run over by an excavator while trying to stop the forced digging of ponds on agricultural land, according to locals, family members, and police.
The deceased was identified as Zubayer Hossain, 25, a resident of Baro Palsha village under Dhurail union in the upazila.
According to local residents, excavators began digging ponds on two crop fields late at night without the consent of the landowners. They alleged that the work was being carried out by the sons of Montaj Haji, an influential figure from neighbouring Bhimnagar village.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
After learning about the excavation, villagers announced the matter over loudspeakers and gathered at the site to protect the cropland, locals said. An altercation then broke out between local residents and the group involved in the excavation.
Family members and locals alleged that Zubayer, who was standing at the front, was first hit by the excavator and later run over, leaving him critically injured.
He was rescued and taken to the Mohanpur Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. His body is currently in police custody.
Police later detained the excavator driver, identified as Abdul Hamid, 28, a resident of Kadimhamjani Uttarpara in Tangail district.
In protest, local residents set fire to an excavator and a motorcycle later that night, witnesses said.
After receiving information, Mohanpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fahima Binte Akhtar visited the scene and the victim's home and spoke with family members and local residents.
Meanwhile, today (18 December), the victim's father, Rafiqul Islam, filed a murder case with Mohanpur Police Station, accusing seven named and 15 unnamed people. Hamid has been shown arrested in the case.
Montaj Haji could not be reached for comment.
Mohanpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge SM Moinuddin told The Business Standard that further legal action will be taken following the arrest of the remaining suspects. "An investigation is underway."
Local farmers alleged that in different parts of Rajshahi – particularly in Paba and Mohanpur upazilas – influential groups are forcibly excavating ponds on agricultural land without informing landowners or obtaining permission.
They said the land is later used for fish farming, with ponds leased out, while only a portion of the lease money is paid to the landowners.
As a result, cultivable land in the region is rapidly being converted into ponds, they added, noting that a significant number of cases related to such excavations are currently pending in court. They demanded stronger administrative action to stop the practice.
