Thirty-two citizens released a joint statement on Wednesday urging an immediate stop to efforts aimed at evicting Santal farmers under the pretext of setting up an Export Processing Zone in the Bagda Farm area of Gobindaganj, Gaibandha.
The signatories, including human rights activists, academics and lawyers, have also urged a thorough investigation into widespread allegations of corruption, irregularities and land-grabbing associated with the establishment of EPZs and Special Economic Zones throughout Bangladesh.
Human rights activist Hamida Hossain, Sultana Kamal, Nijera Kori coordinator Khushi Kabir, Transparency International Bangladesh executive director Iftekharuzzaman, Naripakkho member Shireen Parvin Huq, Manusher Janno Foundation executive director Shahin Anam and Association for Land Reform and Development executive director Shamsul Huda, among others, signed the statement.
They expressed deep concern over the illegal and unethical practices by a group of corrupt officials and influential quarters, who are allegedly evicting indigenous and marginal farmers under the guise of development.
They pointed out that in many cases, fertile agricultural land has been acquired without conducting mandatory environmental impact assessments or social impact assessments, violating legal norms and displacing local communities.
