Farmers demand withdrawal of certificate cases

Hundreds of poor farmers of Dariapur area under Gaibandha Sadar upazila besieged the local Rajshahi Krishi Unnayon Bank yesterday, demanding withdrawal of certificate cases and restoration of easy-term bank loan for poor and marginal farmers.

Organised by the Gaibandha unit of Samajtantrik Khetmajur and Krishak Front, the farmers held a meeting at Dariapur market. Later, they laid siege to the local branch of Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank.

Addressing a meeting at the venue, speakers said poor farmers were not getting fair prices of their agricultural products and it was becoming difficult to support their families. But, instead of waiving interest of bank loans, the bank authorities are filing certificate cases against the poor peasants.

Suffering from acute hardship, poverty stricken farmers could not repay the loans granted to them in time, which has become a burden for them, the speakers said.

The speakers demanded that the authorities concerned stop filing of all certificate cases immediately. They also demanded introduction of easy-term agriculture loan for farmers and extension of the time for repayment of loans.

There are reports that bank officials are harassing borrowers of agriculture loan and creating pressure on them for repayment. Fearing arrest, many borrowers do not stay at their houses, the speakers pointed out.

Those who spoke on the occasion are Ahsanul Habib Sayeed, convener, Zila Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, peasant leaders Kazi Abu Rahen Shafiullah, Zahidul Huq, Mozahedul Islam Ranu and Mahbuber Rahman.