Groups denounce killing of BKF Leader
Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Bangladesh Krishok Federation (BKF), Bangladesh Kishani Sabha (BKS) and the Asian Peasant Coalition (APC) denounce the killing of a BKF leader brutally killed in the morning of October 6, 2012.
“Abdul Karim, 63 years old is the President in Bhurungamari sub-district and a Central Committee member of BKF. He was murdered by Addur Rahim, allegedly employed by the local elites who have vested interest on the abandoned railway Khasland (unused land) occupied by Karim’s group in 2004 in northern Kurignam district,” stated Badrul Alam, BKF President and concurrent APC Vice-chairperson for external affairs.
Alam said that, “Karim’s dedication is endless with regards to land occupation movement in the northern part of the country. He was with us in November 23, 2004, when sub-district members of BKF and BKS in Bhurungamari, led the peasants’ occupation of railway land abandoned by British regime in 1947. Before the occupation, Karim together with the other leaders of the BKF and BKS organized series of rallies and submitted several letters to the sub-district’s local administration for the distribution of this abandoned land among the genuine landless people. Unfortunately, the local administration only makes promises but never distribute the land.”
Alam remarked that, “for about eight (8) years, almost 3,000 landless families are still living in the said khasland which is a result of that land occupation… The right to food and right to shelter are the fundamental human rights. It is written in section-15(a) of the constitution of Bangladesh. This land will ensure these basic needs. So, it is necessary to support the landless people occupying abandoned land for them to live”
“Karim is survived by his wife and three children, along with lots of relatives and colleagues. He came from a very poor yet simple family. His struggle for the interest of the exploited people in our society will remain with us. We are extremely shocked of his killing, who was our comrade in the tough struggle for a genuine agrarian reform and food sovereignty in Bangladesh. We will remember him forever and his death will inspire us more to continue our struggle,” ended Alam.
Reference:
Badrul Alam, BKF President (Bangladesh) and
APC Vice-chairperson for External Affairs
Mobile:: +8801934603834
* http://www.asianpeasant.org/content/groups-denounce-killing-bkf-leader
In the press: Two killed in Kurigram over land disputes
Our Correspondent. Kurigram
Two people were killed over separate land disputes at Bhurungamari and Ulipur upazilas in Kurigram on Saturday.
At Bhurungamari upazila, Abdul Karim, 65, of village Chhoto Khatamari under Joymanirhat union was killed as he was attacked while he was mediating between two parties regarding a land dispute.
Local people said Karim was president of Bhurungamari upazila Krishak Federation and lived with his family in a land owned by the railway ministry.
The incident happened when Karim was attending a meeting to settle a dispute between Shamsul Alam and Abdur Rahim.
Abdur Rahim was in possession of a small pond of the railway that Shamsul Alam, a powerful local inhabitant, demanded.
A scuffle followed disagreement between the parties when someone hacked Abdul Karim on the throat with a sharp weapon, causing his instant death.
Bhurungamari police officer-in-charge AHM Mahfuzur Rahman said a murder case was filed. The body was sent to the Kurigram Sadar Hospital morgue for post-mortem examination. No arrest was made.
At Ulipur upazila, Farman Ali, 55, of village Apuar Khata under Pandul union of was killed on Saturday afternoon, over a fight resulting also from a land dispute.
Villagers said Abdul Hye Master and Abdur Rashid were long at loggerheads and filed cases against each other, claiming the right over a piece of land in the area.
On the day of the incident, the two groups had a face-off at Pandul Bazar at one stage of which a clash ensued. Farman Ali, an associate of Abdur Rashid, was hit on the head by a bamboo stick and died on the spot.
Two others injured in the fight were taken to Ulipur Upazila Health Complex.
Ulipur police officer-in-charge Anwar Hossain confirmed the death, saying the body was sent to Kurigram sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.
* New Age, Sunday, October 7, 2012
http://newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2012-10-07&nid=26214#.UHKNQI6ytHJ