Scrap proposed vested property ordn

Journalist Kamal Lohani speaks at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city yesterday. On his Right is Sultana Kamal and on his left is Justice Golam Rabbani. Photo: STAR

Human rights activists yesterday called on the caretaker government to scrap the proposed 'Vested property verification, selection and settlement ordinance, 2008', saying that it will encourage the land grabbers again to gobble up lands of the minority community.
There is no need to promulgate such an ordinance, they said, adding that the 'Vested Property Return Act 2001' is enough to resolve the land issues of the minority community.
If the proposed ordinance goes through, a vested quarter would use it as a tool to grab the lands of minority people, the rights activists said at a press conference in the city.
"The caretaker government should not intervene in this issue. Rather, they should leave it to the next elected government to deal with it, as it is one of the most sensitive issues concerning public interest," said Justice Golam Rabbani.
Terming the proposed ordinance anti-people, they also threatened to launch a tough movement if the government does not stop the process to promulgate the ordinance.
Reading out a written statement, Advocate Tubarak Hossain said the proposed ordinance would not able to solve the problems relating to vested property.
Economist Abul Barakat said the land grabbers who have already occupied lands in the name of vested property would be benefited from this proposed ordinance.
Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) Executive Director Sultana Kamal said if the proposed ordinance is promulgated, more property of the minority people become vested ones.
Lt Gen (retd) Harun-ur-Rashid and Advocate Subrata Chowdhury also spoke at the press conference.