Rangpur: Speakers at a convention here today placed 19-point reform proposals, including ensuring profitable prices for farmers’ crops, to uphold the interests of common farmers of the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, their other proposals include reducing prices of all agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides; ensuring year-round work for farm laborers; and rehabilitating the landless poor population. The convention was organized by the Bangladesh Peasants’ and Farm Workers’ Organisation (BPFWO).
The organization’s central convener, Comrade Ahsanul Arefin Titu, presided over the convention held at the Town Hall auditorium in the city, while its General Secretary Ajit Das moderated the event. Language movement veteran Mohammad Afzal, along with several other prominent figures and farmers’ leaders, addressed the event.
In his welcome address, Comrade Ahsanul Arefin Titu emphasized the significance of the 2024 mass uprising, highlighting the hope it has ignited for building a democratic and discrimination-free Bangladesh, a goal paid for with the sacrifices and blood of thousands of students, including Shaheed Abu Sayeed of Rangpur.
“It is not possible to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh without realizing the hopes and aspirations of the most exploited and discriminated farmers and agricultural laborers across the country,” he said. He urged the interim government to take immediate initiatives to reform the agricultural sector in a way that complements the interests of farmers based on the opinions of all stakeholders.
Anwar Hossain Bablu pointed out that the agricultural sector is controlled by some domestic and foreign businessmen, company syndicates, and middlemen traders who manipulate the agricultural input and crop markets. He criticized all post-independence governments for making regulations that serve the interests of these capitalist groups.
“As a result, the majority of farmers, farm-laborers, and landless people have always been exploited and deprived. There is no alternative to building a strong organization and movement to achieve the rights of farmers and farm laborers,” he said.
Leaders of the organization announced the formation of strong farmers’ and farm-laborers’ organizations and movements across the country based on their 19-point demand proposals.