Introduction
Land Rights in Baroghoria Upazila stand as a powerful example of how grassroots organizing and legal empowerment can reshape the lives of marginalized, landless communities. On 30 September 2024, during a field visit to Baroghoria Adorsho Gram in Ranisankail, Thakurgaon, we witnessed the strength, strategy, and courage of 118 families who are transforming land rights from an abstract policy into tangible justice.
Their journey represents more than just legal battles—it is about community power, dignity, and a fight for survival rooted in a shared vision of equity.
Formation & Capacity Building for Land Rights in Baroghoria
Between 1990 and 1995, the Community Development Association (CDA) led detailed surveys to identify landless households in Baroghoria. These efforts gave rise to Jono Songothon, a grassroots platform that cultivated leadership and unity among the region’s marginalized populations.
In 2003, this movement solidified through the formation of the Barogharia Hazera Ashrayan Samabay Samity Ltd. Through this cooperative, the community underwent extensive training in:
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Identifying khas land
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Understanding land law
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Legal documentation processes
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Administrative lobbying and community-led advocacy
This foundational knowledge became the engine driving the campaign for Land Rights in Baroghoria.
Key Challenges to Securing Land Rights in Baroghoria
Bureaucratic & Political Barriers
Administrative opacity and resistance from vested interests consistently blocked progress. Land grabbers often intimidated community members, and bureaucratic red tape caused critical delays in securing formal land titles.
However, strategic support from CDA and a few progressive officials within the Union and Upazila administration played a vital role in overcoming these obstacles.
Legal Complexity of Khas Land
The legal landscape of khas land is notoriously confusing. Inconsistent documentation, missing records, and unclear boundaries further complicated matters. These issues made it easy for land grabbers to exploit loopholes.
To address this, the cooperative launched legal literacy sessions covering:
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Bangladesh’s khas land policies
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Lease terms and usage rights
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The application process for land recovery
This education transformed passive frustration into active, informed engagement—a critical step in securing Land Rights in Baroghoria.
7 Inspiring Achievements Toward Land Rights in Baroghoria
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Recovered 10 acres of khas land from illegal occupation
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Distributed housing plots (2 decimals/family) under the Ashrayan Project
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Reclaimed 2.35 acres of community pond land
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Started joint livestock investment (2 cows) to fund community programs
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Formed 13 savings groups with over 650,000 BDT in internal capital
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Sustained local advocacy campaigns with posters, media, and petition drives
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Secured cross-tier alliances with Union Parishad Chairman, UNO, and District Commissioner
Each milestone demonstrates how organizing, patience, and courage turned the abstract notion of rights into real, lasting impact. These wins are a cornerstone of Land Rights in Baroghoria.
Strategy Behind Land Rights in Baroghoria Recovery
The community’s approach was thorough and rights-based:
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Data collection on khas land availability
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Engagement with Union, Upazila, and District-level officials
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Legal documentation and consistent follow-up
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Peaceful protest and advocacy
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Submission of formal applications with CDA support
This strategy provides a scalable model for other landless groups across Bangladesh.
Ongoing Struggles & Future Plans
The next frontier is ambitious: reclaim 100 acres of khas land, with 60 acres already identified.
Post-harvest season, the community aims to:
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Launch a second advocacy wave
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Conduct door-to-door awareness sessions
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Increase local media coverage
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Organize legal aid camps
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Submit coordinated appeals to the Upazila Land Office
These actions will continue the upward trajectory of Land Rights in Baroghoria, ensuring sustainability and inclusion.
Social Impact & Community Empowerment
Land ownership changes everything. It anchors families, reduces gender-based vulnerability, and enables long-term economic growth.
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Housing Security: Families now live without fear of eviction
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🐄 Livelihood Support: Joint cow-rearing improves nutrition and income
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Financial Inclusion: Cooperative savings create borrowing and reinvestment opportunities
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Women’s Leadership: Land rights awareness has opened space for women to lead advocacy efforts
Conclusion: Sustaining the Movement for Land Rights in Baroghoria
Our field visit to Baroghoria Adorsho Gram proved that the fight for land is more than a legal battle—it is a movement for dignity and opportunity.
The work done by the Barogharia Hazera Ashrayan Samabay Samity, CDA, and local government allies has already produced transformative outcomes. To sustain and scale these efforts, further support is needed in:
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Legislative protection for landless families
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Streamlined khas land application processes
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Legal aid for poor rural claimants
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Replication of this model in other vulnerable districts
With the right support, Land Rights in Baroghoria can become a national blueprint for land justice and rural empowerment.
Learn More visit: BLRN