'Most of country's laws are anti-poor'
Staff Correspondent
Most of the country's existing laws are anti-poor and as such the poor are deprived and suffer much here, said Dr Mizanur Rahman of law department of Dhaka University at the launching ceremony of a research book.The book titled 'Agony of Development: A Study in Pauperization of Displaced Communities' revealed that the underprivileged group is the victim of different development activities of the government. The research was conducted by Empowerment Through Law of the Common People (ELCOP) under its Community Law Reform (CLR) project with the help of the students of law departments of Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Kushtia Islamic University. Supported by Academy for Educational Development (AED)/ USAID, the research revealed how government's Barapukuria, Madhyapara and Phulbari Coal mine projects, Social Forestation project and Guchchhagram project acquired a huge amount of land from the locals. But they were not given compensation properly, and those who used to live by cultivating others' land were the worst victims, revealed the research. It also mentioned that in the name of forestation a huge amount of land of indigenous people were shown as Khas land and acquired without any compensation. The speakers said no development work can sustain if it is not done considering people's welfare. The law should be incorporated with life and lawyers should know what should be their role in the society, they added. Former adviser to caretaker government Advocate Sultana Kamal unwrapped the book as chief guest. Justice KM Sobhan, CIDA Education Adviser Selina Mohsin, and Dr Rahmatullah of Dhaka University were present on the occasion.
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