A human chain was formed in Rajshahi city demanding a halt to the eviction of 13 Paharia indigenous families living in Mollapara, along with their permanent rehabilitation and security.
The demonstration was organized by the National Indigenous Council at the city’s Shaheb Bazar Zero Point around 11 a.m. on Saturday. Seven other organizations expressed solidarity and joined the program.
Speakers at the event said that after Bangladesh’s Liberation War, six Paharia families who came from India were given land in Ward No. 2 of Mollapara by a man named Indra Dhopa. Over time, three generations have built homes there, forming a community of 16 families.
In recent years, however, a man named Sajjad Ali, also known as Sajjad Haji, has been claiming ownership of the land and threatening to evict them. Three families have already left, while the remaining families were asked to vacate by Sunday. The eviction was suspended after the issue came to the attention of the local administration.
Speakers urged the authorities to construct permanent housing on the site under government initiative, ensuring rehabilitation and security for the displaced families.
The human chain was presided over by National Indigenous Council President Ganesh Mardi. Among others, former Rajshahi district BNP organizing secretary Golam Mostafa Mamun, former councilor Sultana Ahmed Sagorika, National Indigenous Council General Secretary Bimal Chandra Rajwar, Vice President Raj Kumar Shao, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Rajshahi President Kalpana Roy, freedom fighter Mahabub Jamal Kaderi, Barendra Unnayan Prochesta Executive Director Fayzullah Chowdhury, Poriborton Executive Director Rashed Ripon, Diner Alo Hijra Sangha President Mohona, Masaus Executive Director Merina Hasda, and Advocate Mahabubur Rahman Hasibur also spoke at the event.
