Hindu Family’s Land Allegedly Seized in Rangpur, Minority Family Living in Fear

Melbourne, January 6 — A Hindu family in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur district has alleged that their land has been forcibly seized by members of the local Muslim majority community, leaving the minority household in fear for their safety.

The affected farmer, Dhaneshwar Barman, from Ghoshpur village, said a long-running land dispute has escalated after influential locals allegedly took control of his family’s property by force.

According to Barman, on January 3, Maidul Islam arrived at the disputed land with around 150 people, many of them armed with sticks, in an apparent attempt to take over the property. Barman said his family has legally inherited about three and a half bighas of land at the site and that the matter is currently before the courts, with several rulings already in his favour.

Despite the court orders, he claims Maidul Islam has refused to comply and continues to assert ownership, attempting to occupy the land through intimidation and force.

Barman said three of his five brothers live outside the village, leaving women and elderly family members at home.

“We are extremely worried about our safety,”

he said, adding that those trying to seize the land have been roaming around their house and monitoring their movements.

He also alleged that seeking help from the local police has brought no effective response. “We contacted the police station, but they did nothing. When we called the emergency number 999, they told us to go to court instead of providing protection. If the occupiers ignore court orders and try to loot our home, where will we minorities go for help?” he asked.

Barman’s wife, Rina Rani, said the family has been farming the land for more than 32 years since her marriage. She accused Maidul Islam and his relatives of using forged documents to claim ownership of the land.

She said the family has been receiving threats since January 20, 2025, and that there have already been two attempts to forcibly occupy the land. “They have warned us that if we do not leave, we will be driven out of the area,” she said.

The family has now appealed to the authorities for immediate intervention and security to protect their land and their lives.