BKF Leader Released

The Asian Peasant Coalition (APC) welcomes the release of HARUN BHANDARI, a leader of the Bangladesh Krishok Federation (BKF) freed from Jail today (March 17, 2008). Mr. Harun Bhandari is a very efficient leader of BKF and also President of Barisal District Committee.

Three months ago, Harun Bhandari led landless peasants and occupied Rasulpur Char close to Barisal City. The area was later affected by the recent cyclone which prompted Harun Bhandari to get relief from the local government. Bhandari led a procession in Barisal City to seek help from the local government. They also submitted a memorandum to district commissioner. But the local big land-owners harassed him and other leaders of BKF and Bangladesh Kishani Sabha (BKS). The land-owners urged the local government that Harun Bhandari broke emergency rule by leading a procession. The big land-owners (supported by the local government) filed some fake criminal cases against Harun Bhandari that lead to their arrest. Earlier, 6 leaders were released on bail. After 3 months of work done by BKF, Harun Bhandari was released on bail today.

We condemned the Bangladeshi local government who fabricated cases against Bhandari and other BKF leaders. The BKF leaders were merely seeking government help to landless peasants who were also victims of cyclone.

We congratulate the BKF and BKS for their persistent effort to release their colleagues even if they will have to face the false charges against them in court. The peasant struggle for land and genuine freedom endures lots of sacrifices. Long live the genuine peasant movement in Asia! Long live international solidarity!