Lawmaker's attempt to grab minority's land

It has been alleged by rights bodies that a certain lawmaker from Thakurgaon-2 constituency is actively engaged in the forced grabbing of lands belonging to members of the Hindu community. This is, of course, not a lone incident involving a lone lawmaker. Rather, it is a growing trend, as pointed out by a leading human rights organisation in the country, where influential interest groups with the apparent blessing of certain people in power are involved in such condemnable acts.

Precisely what are these minority group members to do when the administration and law enforcers fail to notice the violation of their rights? The situation is unacceptable when their lands are grabbed and when male members of the community are forced to flee to a neighbouring country for fear of retribution.

Although a report has been made public by a rights body on such excesses, the allegations have been denied by the principal accused. The fact is that when it comes to grabbing of land, it is almost always the high and mighty that come out on top.

We seem to forget that equality is one of the core principles of our existence and that people of all creeds and faiths are citizens of this land. They are supposed to enjoy equal rights and equal protection of the state. We stand together with the campaigners in calling for a judicial probe into the matter and stern action against the land grabbers.