In Netrokona’s Purbadhala upazila, five Dalit families living for generations on government-owned land (khas land) near Jalshuka Bazar have had their homes destroyed in a series of attacks. The families are now left homeless. Local reports accuse an influential group of orchestrating the violence and eviction. Authorities have reportedly begun responding to the incident.
Families Allege Planned Attacks and Looting
Upon visiting the area, it was learned that the families, comprising a total of 22 members—including women and children—had been living on khas land near the railway tracks adjacent to Jalshuka Bazar in Bishkakuni Union. Recently, Siraj Mia and Bakul Mia, residents of neighboring Dhara village in Khalishaor Union, claimed the land as their private property and ordered the families to vacate.
Sunil Rabidas, representing the affected families, filed a written complaint with the district administration. In retaliation, Siraj Mia allegedly led an attack on Sunil Rabidas’s home last Thursday. During the assault, family members were reportedly beaten, and money—including borrowed funds meant for purchasing sacrificial animal hides—was looted.
Repeated Attacks: Demolition and Forced Eviction
According to family members, another attack occurred the day after Eid, during which three houses were damaged. On the following Tuesday afternoon, a third attack completely demolished the remaining two homes. During this attack, family members were physically assaulted and forcibly evicted from the area.
At present, 22 individuals—including elderly, women, and children—are living under the open sky in dire conditions.
Scene of Devastation
A visit to the site near the railway tracks revealed a devastated scene: twisted metal sheets from the demolished homes, scattered furniture, broken beds, and soiled bedding strewn across the ground. Household items, including pots of rice and curry, lay overturned. Various belongings floated in stagnant water.
Elderly residents Champa Rabidas and Anil Rabidas said they had lived in the area for many years. “Babu, where can we go now? Where will we live? Where will we seek justice?” they lamented. “We have nowhere to go. The army came and inspected the site. An officer from the land office also visited and assured us that a solution would be arranged. But what justice will be done to those who did this to us?”
They added: “At first, some houses were broken and money meant for buying animal hides was stolen. Today, they came in a group and destroyed the remaining homes. They even cut down the trees. There is nothing left. What they did to us is inhumane. Just because we are Dalits, we get no justice. What is our crime, Babu? Is being born Dalit our only fault? Now where will the 22 of us live?”
Statement from the Accused
In response, Siraj Mia claimed: “The land belongs to us. My father had allowed these families to stay here. Now we need the land for our own use. No one was assaulted. However, some people became angry while trying to evict them and ended up demolishing the houses.”
Government’s Position
Purbadhala Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Rezwana Kabir stated: “Upon receiving the report, we sent the local revenue officer (tehsildar) to the site. He confirmed that the land is not privately owned but recorded as government khas land. We will consult higher authorities to arrange rehabilitation for these families.”
Netrokona District Commissioner Banani Biswas said: “We were not aware of this earlier. After learning of it on Tuesday night, we dispatched a team led by an Additional Deputy Commissioner to the site on Wednesday morning. Emergency financial assistance and other necessary support will be provided to the families. Legal action will be taken against the perpetrators.”
Police Response
Mintu Dey, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) at Purbadhala Police Station, confirmed that the allegations of house demolition are true. “Anil Rabidas has filed a case as the complainant. Efforts are underway to arrest the accused.”
Publication Date: 12 June, 2025
Reports published in various newspapers on this issue: prothomalo, dailyjanakantha
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