In Dakshin Alipur, located in Satkhira Sadar upazila, a distressing situation is unfolding for 46 Kaiputra families, largely unnoticed by the public. This crisis is not occurring in a remote area but alongside a significant highway. The families have witnessed their homes collapse as the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) began expanding the Satkhira-Shyamnagar highway through Dakshin Alipur on February 6, 2026. Since then, these families have been living under makeshift shelters, facing the constant fear of losing their homes at any moment.
While no formal eviction notice has been issued, the RHD has been using loudspeakers to inform residents living on their land to vacate the area by June 24 or 25 to avoid demolition of their homes. This situation goes beyond a typical eviction story as it challenges the humanity of Bangladesh, with these families having no alternative housing options.
The Kaiputras, a marginalized community known for pig farming, have long faced social exclusion and discrimination due to their occupation. Despite their efforts to reclaim dignity by identifying as Kaiputras, rather than the derogatory term “Kawara,” prejudices against them persist. They endure isolation and ostracism in a society where their livelihood conflicts with cultural norms.
Living on government-controlled khas land under the RHD, the Kaiputras in Dakshin Alipur have deep roots in the area, with some residents tracing their lineage back several generations. However, their living conditions are dire, with many residing in flimsy shelters lacking basic amenities like toilets. Poverty and social stigma have pushed them to the margins of society, with limited access to government support.
The Kaiputras face dwindling prospects as traditional pig farming declines, and their livelihoods are threatened by encroachments on grazing lands. Despite their contributions to the economy through pork production, they remain invisible and underserved by social welfare programs.
While recognizing the need for infrastructure development, the RHD’s actions highlight the plight of the most vulnerable citizens. The Kaiputras have proposed a practical solution of relocation to adjacent khas land under a government rehabilitation program, seeking only a place to call home. The state must address their plea and ensure their inclusion in social protection schemes.
This crisis underscores the importance of upholding the rights of marginalized communities and reevaluating development strategies to safeguard human dignity. The Kaiputras of Dakshin Alipur deserve recognition and support from society and the government to prevent their further marginalization and displacement in the name of progress.