Before the human chain a procession came out and paraded the different streets in the the capital city of Dhaka.

Bangladesh Krishok Federation President Badrul Alam presided over the rallies.

The rallies were addressed by Bangladesh Krishok Federation General Secretary Zayed Iqbal Khan, Bangladesh Bhumiheen Samity General Secretary Subal Sarker, Bangladesh Shramik Federation General Secretary Fayez Ahmed, Communist Party of Bangladesh-ML Polit Bureau member Mukhlesuddin Shahin, Bangladesh Krishok Federation Vice-President Rehana Begum, Bangladesh Kishani Sabha General Secretary Sabina Yasmin, Nehar Parvin Runu, Sabiha Begum, Bangladesh Mazdur Party Central Member doctor Shamsul Alam, Kirshok Federation Satkhira District leader doctor Abdul Mannan, Bhola District leader Abul Kalam Sikder and woman leader Ambia Begum Shila, among others.

In his address Badrul Alam said in 1996 the peasants and landless people in Brazil demanding a sweeping land reform came out in the streets and were indiscriminately shot to dead by the military police. In this incident 19 peasants were killed, more than hundred were seriously wounded and hundreds of peasants were put into jail. in commemoration of that day since 1996 the Day 17 April was observed as “International Day of Peasants’ Struggle” in different countries in the world. This year the theme of the day is: Struggle for land and life! No more impunity to TNCs! No more FTAs destroying the natural resources! WTO, out of agriculture!

Badrul Alam added that in order to eradicate poverty and hunger from the country There need a genuine and comprehensive agrarian reform. All Khasland of the country would be given away among the bona-fide landless people.

Other speakers said that a revolutionary and organic relationship between workers and peasants should be built in order for a exploitation free society.

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