Give khas land to the poor

Rights activists yesterday urged the government to distribute its khas land (government owned fallow land) to the poor and the marginalised -- especially to people from the ethnic minorities and those who reside in chars.

The speakers also urged the government to follow relevant laws of the land to ensure dwellings for all its citizens as ensured by the constitution and also recognised as a human right by the United Nations.                            

They were speaking at a discussion jointly organised by seven rights organisations including National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Association for Land Reform and Development and Nagorik Udyog at BTMC Bhaban in the capital.

Speaking as the chief guest, NHRC Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque said the country has particular laws for distribution of khas land as well as vested property and the government has the responsibility to implement the laws effectively.

Before acquiring any land belonging to an ethnic minority member who had been using it for generations, the authorities concerned has the responsibility to properly inform its owner of the acquisition and rehabilitate the owner accordingly, he added. 

Noted rights activist Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori, called upon the government and non-government rights organisations to work together to ensure land rights of the poor and the marginalised who commonly face land-related discrimination.