Why has fear gripped Mal Paharia community in Rajshahi

The fate of the last remaining members of Rajshahi's Mal Paharia community hangs in the balance, as a disputed land claim and alleged intimidation has put their future at risk. But the balance may be tipped in their favour as many activists and even politicians offer them their support.

What we know so far

• On Friday, the remaining 13 families (three had already left) were supposed to bid farewell at a feast organised by local man Sajjad Ali, who claimed to have bought their homes.
• A goat was to be slaughtered, but after media reports, human chains, and social media outcry, police intervened and stopped the event.
• Police also summoned Sajjad and 13 family representatives to meet the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashiadanga Zone). Sajjad did not attend but later appeared before the Barakuthi Land Office.
• Members of the community have since appealed to police for protection, alleging ongoing intimidation by Sajjad.

State of play

• The dispute centres on a 16-katha plot in Ward-2 of Rajshahi City Corporation.
• Six Mal Paharia families settled there 53 years ago, allowed by a washerman, Indra Dhupa, after the Liberation War. Over three generations, the settlement grew to 16 homes.
• Sajjad Ali claims he bought the land in 1994, with a registered deed, and gave Tk30 lakh to the families — Tk50,000–2 lakh per household.
• Three families have already left; the rest were due to leave on Sunday.
• Current market value of the land: about Tk4 crore (FY 2025–26).

Between the lines :Sajjad recently built a boundary wall enclosing both his adjacent vacant land and the indigenous settlement, saying he is "taking possession through rehabilitation."

• Land records conflict:
  • RS Khatian lists Gazia Rojkini (Rajshahi) and Monitara Rojkini (Mymensingh) as owners.
  • Sajjad's deed cites purchases from five others, including Madhusudan Das and Dilip Das.
• Officials are now questioning how the title allegedly passed to those sellers.

Voices from the ground

• Residents:
  • "If you make a fuss… you won't get the money," said Milki Bishwas, explaining why families felt forced to accept cash.
  • "This is the place of our birth… we want to stay," said Bishni Bishwas.
  • Local Asad Ali: "They have been living here for 62 years… The owner is Indra Dhopa. We never heard of Sajjad."
• Police:
  • OC Azizul Bari: "We will ensure human rights are not violated. For now, the residents will stay here. The land documents will be thoroughly analysed, and necessary action will be taken."
• Sajjad Ali:
  • "I am not intimidating anyone. I only wanted to bid farewell in a nice way. The land is mine, I have told this to the Land Office. They have not informed me of anything. I don't know what they are doing."

Political & rights response

• BNP: Local leaders say they have informed the top leadership. BNP and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists will hold a protest programme there at 5pm.
• National Citizen Party (NCP): Joint chief coordinator Kailash Chandra Robidas said party chief Nahid Islam has been briefed.
• BLAST: Rajshahi coordinator Advocate Samina Begum has spoken with families.
• Civil society: Jatiya Adivasi Parishad, Adivasi Gobeshona Parishad, CC-BVO, Paharia Chhatra Parishad, Barendra Youth Forum, July-36 Parishad, and others have offered support.

Human chain formed: On Friday, rights activists, academics, students, and locals formed a human chain demanding the community's protection.

• Speaking at the event, Nazrul Islam, Adivasi Gobeshona Parishad:
  "Indigenous people have been living here for 53 years. A group of land grabbers wants to seize it. We will not accept their eviction."
• Arif Ether, human rights activist:
  "How could this land be sold in 1994 while they were living here? Why is Sajjad coming now after so many years? Why would he pay money to take his own land? And if his documents are valid, why did he not go when called by the police?"

Flashback

• On 5 August 2024 — three days after the Awami League government fell — Sajjad reportedly told families to vacate.
• A mediation attempt by then-ward councillor Nazrul Islam stalled; he is now in hiding, residents say.