Over 100 Cattle Stolen in a Year and a Half, Locals Stage Protest Human Chain

Pabna’s Koladi village has witnessed a spate of livestock thefts over the past eighteen months, leaving numerous farming families destitute and anxious. In protest, residents of Bhardara Union, spanning all social strata, held a large human chain and sit-in demonstration on Tuesday, 6 January, demanding urgent action against the persistent thefts.

The demonstration began at Koladi Bor Bottola and extended to Charabottola, reaching Seolibazar, with thousands of locals participating. Protesters carried placards and banners bearing slogans condemning the thefts and calling for stronger security measures.

Speakers at the event highlighted the alarming scale of the crime: since 5 August, over 100 cows belonging to approximately 40 farmers, along with at least 10 goats, have been stolen. Despite repeated complaints, the community claims that local authorities have failed to take meaningful action. They further alleged that influential figures in the area may be complicit in the thefts.

“Even with nightly vigils, theft continues unabated. Political changes have not improved the situation, and farmers are left with nothing,” said one local farmer addressing the crowd. “We are compelled to take to the streets. If the cattle thieves are not apprehended within the next 24 hours, we will escalate our protests.”

Pabna Sadar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Dulal Hossain, confirmed that complaints had been received and that investigations are underway. “We have inspected the sites. If given some time, the police will be able to take appropriate action,” he stated.

Prominent attendees of the demonstration included Abdul Aziz Khan, Shamsur Rahman Master, UP member Qurban Ali Khan, Abdul Khalek Khan, Saidul Islam Chappan, Abdul Bari, Abdullahil Kafi, Wahiduzzaman Swapan, and Mostafizur Rahman Jisan, a leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

The sheer scale of the thefts and the community’s public outcry underscore the urgency for effective law enforcement in rural areas, where farmers’ livelihoods are particularly vulnerable.

Summary of Reported Livestock Theft in Koladi (Last 18 Months):

The protest reflects mounting frustration in Koladi and surrounding areas, as residents demand swift and decisive action to restore their security and confidence in law enforcement.