Landless allege bid to evict from khas land

7 February 2009, 18:00 PM

RU Correspondent

Around 100 landless people at a press conference here yesterday alleged that some influential people with the help of police are trying to evict them from khas land in Borobilay area under Poba upazila. The landless farmers said they have been growing crops on around 174.93 acres of khas land since 1997 under the banner of 'Darusa Bhumihin Samity'. “Recently, some local influential people claimed their ownership on the khas land showing false documents and looted our crops,” they alleged at the press conference held at local press club. They said the cadres of the influential people also beat up some landless people as they tried to prevent them from looting crops. At midnight of February 2, they alleged, Poba police led by Sub Inspector Kamrul went to landless Bodor's house after a local influential lodged a theft case against him. Failing to nab Bodor, Police severely beat up his wife Aklima who is now undergoing treatment at Poba Health Complex. The landless people sought government protection and demanded punishment to local influential people and the policemen who are trying to evict them from Khas land. Abdul Hakim, president of Darusa Bhumihin Samity, read out a written statement at the conference. SI Kamrul could not be contacted over telephone, as he was not available at the police station.