Authorities in Rajshahi temporarily halted the eviction of the Paharia community due to an investigation into a land dispute.

In the heart of Rajshahi, a dispute over a 37.94 decimal plot in Horogram Mouza has sparked controversy, as local resident Sajjad Ali attempts to evict thirteen Paharia families who have lived there for over half a century. The eviction, initially scheduled for September 7, 2023, has been put on hold as an investigation unfolds.

According to the Paharia families, the land originally belonged to a washerman named Indra Dhupi. Before his death, Indra Dhupi allowed six Paharia families to settle on the land, which was known as Indra Dhupa's Bathan, after the Liberation War. However, the land rights at the site before 1994 are not publicly documented.

In 1994-95, the land was transferred to Sajjad Ali, Syed Ali, Imtiaz, and Fahmida. Sajjad claims to have a valid deed for the land and regularly pays taxes on it. He has also stated that he has compensated the Paharia families with Tk30 lakh in total. However, Jarina Biswas of the community asserted that they were offered money to stay silent and leave, but they wish to remain in their birthplace.

The investigation into the eviction began on September 4, 2023. Mohinul Hasan, the additional deputy commissioner (Revenue) of Rajshahi district, has instructed the indigenous people to remain where they are while the matter is investigated. Ariful Islam, assistant commissioner (land) of the Borokuthi Land Office, is also investigating the issue and will submit a full report.

The Rajshahi district administration is not the only party expressing concern. Associate Professor Golam Sarwar of the History Department at Rajshahi University has spoken out against the eviction of indigenous people. Choton Sardar, general secretary of the Rajshahi metropolitan unit of the Jatiya Adivasi Parishad, has also expressed support for the Paharia families and demanded the administration ensure they can stay.

Kashiadanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Azizul Bari Sajjad has assured that human rights will not be violated, and the residents will stay as they are. Sajjad's initial plan to feed the Paharia families a chicken feast was cancelled on September 4, as per a police declaration.

The Paharia community's struggle for their ancestral land has garnered attention and support. The future of the 53-year-old settlement remains uncertain, but for now, the eviction has been halted, offering a glimmer of hope for the thirteen Paharia families.

Authorities in Rajshahi temporarily halted the eviction of the Paharia community due to an investigation into a land dispute.