By Tohura Khatun Lily from Rajshahi
A discussion meeting was held at the Hetemkha Harijan community in Rajshahi demanding that the local khas pond be leased to the resident Harijan community for their collective use and management. The meeting was organized by local communities, the Green Coalition and BARCIK.
Around 300 families live in the Hetemkha Harijan settlement. Communities said the pond has long been closely connected to their social and daily lives and is an important local resource. However, as the pond is currently leased to people from outside the community for fish cultivation, local communities are unable to adequately benefit from it.
Participants argued that leasing the pond to a community-based committee would benefit around 300 households and enable local people to participate in its management and maintenance. The meeting discussed the necessary application process, documentation and engagement with relevant government authorities.
Community representatives said that the pond’s location within the settlement and its long-standing use by local communities should be considered in determining its future management. They asked for collective action and administrative initiatives to secure the lease for the community.
Green Coalition President Mahbub Siddiqui listened to communities’ concerns and discussed possible steps for submitting applications and required documents to the relevant authorities. He expressed support for advancing the community’s legitimate demand through appropriate administrative processes.
Participants urged the authorities to take prompt action, emphasizing that community access and participatory management of local natural resources can contribute to the wellbeing, dignity and livelihoods of the approximately 300 families living in the settlement. BARCIK Associate Programme Officer Tohura Khatun Lily was present in the meeting.