The rally was organised by the Hebganj Bagdafarm Bhumi Uddhar Shonghoti committee in light of the recent Santal eviction in Gaibandha. The event marked one month since the attack and land grab by Rangpur Sugar Mills.
Protestors criticised government action against the minorities, demanding punishment for those police and administration officials involved with the arson attack.
They further urged the government to provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation for the uprooted Santals.
Speaking at the rally, Attack Survivor Shahajan Ali said: “Local Awami League MP Abul Kalam Azad along with his party men grabbed our land, setting fire to our homes and condemning us to the streets.”
Coordinator of Ganotantrik Bam Morcha Firoz Ahmed said: “The government has been distressing minorities, grabbing and looting their land in name of development,” as he vowed to strongly protest the government’s so-called development activities with a combined effort.
Echoing Firoz Ahmed, Musician and Rights Activist Arup Rahi said: “It’s a new model of neoliberalism all over the world to evict the poor and minority people from their land” as he claimed the slogan of development was being used to repress the Santals and the Bangalees.
Saiful Islam, Biplobi Workers Party secretary general, said: “Instead of ensuring people’s safety, the state is attacking the innocent. This proves that they are not for the people” while Leader of the Workers Party Borni Shikha Jamali has said that a strong protest community will be formed by uniting Santals with Bangalees, Paharis and Adivshis against the malpractice of the government.
On November 6, at least 3 Santals were killed and many more injured in clashes when Rangpur Sugar Mills acquired Santal land by forcibly evicting the inhabitants.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
