Rights activists call for land commission for plainland ethnic minorities

Human rights activists have urged the government to form an independent land commission to protect ethnic minority peoples in the plains. The call came after activists visited the Pahari community in Malpaharia, Mollapara, Rajshahi, who faced threats of eviction.

Samina Begum, coordinator of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), said, "Until we have a land commission, we cannot guarantee indigenous people's land rights. For now, the administration must ensure their safety and right to live here. We will fight this legally."

After the Liberation War, six Pahari families settled on 16 katha of land in Mollapara. Over three generations, their community grew to 16 households.

Local resident Sajjad Ali recently claimed ownership of the land and offered Tk30 lakh for the families to leave, forcing three households to vacate. He also planned a goat slaughter and meal on Friday (5 September) to persuade the others to leave.

Following media coverage on 3 September, law enforcement and administrative officials visited the community on 4 September, assured them they could stay, and stopped the planned feast.

Today (7 September), rights activists also visited the community to show solidarity.

Zakir Hossain, chief executive of Nagorik Uddyog, said, "This Pahari community was born here, and their forefathers also died here. The law says that when people live in one place for a long time, they gain rights to that land. Suddenly, someone comes and claims ownership… We are here to show the Pahari community that they are not alone."

"Sajjad Ali claims he bought this land in 1994, but he never made such a claim before. Someone cannot just appear and claim ownership. We want the land officially recorded in the community's name," he added.

Zakir also called for a land commission for indigenous peoples in the plains, stressing that no current commission includes representatives from the country's northern part.

Dipayan Khisa, central member of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti, said, "If these families were never evicted since independence, why now? The government says it wants inclusion of everyone, so what is the problem with including these families? The land grabber must be arrested, and a small police outpost can ensure their safety."

Arif Ether, coordinator of Centre for Capacity Building of Voluntary Organisation, also urged the quick formation of a land commission, warning that delays would make securing indigenous land rights even harder.