Several farmers from Galachipa upazila in Patuakhali have alleged that they are being prevented from cultivating 200 acres of government khas land due to interference by local BNP leaders.
The farmers, members of the Charbangla Bittaheen Krishak Samabay Samity Ltd., made the allegation at a press conference held at the Patuakhali Press Club on Thursday night.
They sought intervention from the administration and the media to resolve the issue.
Seraj Khan, president of the cooperative, said, “We have no ancestral land. For the past 30–35 years, we’ve been cultivating khas land in Char Bangla of Char Biswas Union under Galachipa upazila with yearly permission from the Upazila Land Office.”
He added that following a directive from the High Court, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Galachipa issued Duplicate Carbon Receipts (DCRs) to landless members of the association, formalizing their right to cultivate the land in accordance with government policy.
However, when the farmers attempted to begin cultivation this season, they were allegedly obstructed by local land grabbers, including Md. Baker Biswas, BNP President of Char Biswas Union; Abdul Matin Howlader, the Union’s BNP Organizing Secretary; and Md. Anwar Howlader, Ward BNP President — along with 14 to 15 other BNP members.
“They told us we had no right to the land after August 5 and questioned why we received DCRs,” said Seraj Khan. “They threatened us, physically assaulted some members, and warned us to leave the area.”
Left with no alternative, the association filed a complaint with Galachipa Police Station. ASI Md. Zakir Hossain investigated the matter and submitted a report to the Galachipa Executive Magistrate Court under Sections 107/117 of the Penal Code. The court later issued summons against the accused.
On October 6, 15 of the accused appeared in court and secured bail on a bond of Tk 2,000 each, under the custody of Advocate Md. Monirul Islam.
Mojibar Howlader, general secretary of the cooperative, said: “Out of our nearly 700 members, 155 have received official DCRs following the High Court's order. We used to cultivate this land without issue, but now we’re being harassed and obstructed.”
When contacted, Md. Baker Biswas denied the allegations, claiming that some Awami League-affiliated individuals had been exploiting the land for 16 years using the cooperative as a front.
He said, “I only asked the AC Land to ensure land goes to genuine landless people. In Baishakh, the previous AC Land issued temporary certification to 12 individuals. The cooperative filed a writ against that, and the High Court ordered DCRs in their name instead. I have no personal claim on this land.”
Md. Siddiqur Rahman, president of Galachipa Upazila BNP, said efforts are being made to resolve the dispute. “If any BNP members are found to be involved in wrongdoing, organizational action will be taken,” he said.
Galachipa Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Asadur Rahman said the matter primarily concerns the land administration.
“No formal complaint has been lodged with the police so far. If one is received, we will take appropriate legal action after investigation,” he added.