Fani-affected Farmers: Activists demand compensation

Farmers’ rights activists at a human chain yesterday demanded that the government immediately provide adequate compensation to the farmers affected by cyclone Fani.

Claiming that the actual damage of the cyclone was worse, particularly for agriculture, they also demanded the authorities update the list of loss and damage through consulting local public representatives like union and upazila chairpersons.

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Krishak and Khetmajur Sangram Parishad, a coalition of nine organisations working for the rights of farmers and farm labourers, organised the human chain in front of Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.

On May 4, Fani hit Bangladesh’s coastal and south-western parts after hitting the eastern coast of India the previous day. It was the strongest cyclone that affected India in the last 20 years.

In Bangladesh, the cyclone damaged about 1.55 lakh acres of cropland -- 1.54 lakh acres partially damaged and 1,830 acres fully destroyed, killed five people and injured 832, according to the disaster management ministry.

Speaking at the human chain, Saiful Huq, president of Bangladesh Khetmajur Union, said, “We think that the actual damage caused by the cyclone [Fani] was more than what the government says because it would have to provide more compensation if the damage was higher.”

Saiful, also general secretary of Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, demanded immediate distribution of food and other essentials among the affected people.

He urged to prepare a list of affected farmers to provide them adequate compensation as soon as possible.

Kazi Sazzad Zahir Chandan, coordinator of the Sangram Parishad, demanded a debt waiver for affected farmers.