GAIBANDHA Correspondent :
A human chain and protest meeting held in South Ullah Bormotair area of Bharatkhal Union in Saghata upazila, Gaibandha, following obstruction to river management and erosion control work. On Wednesday, local riverside residents organise the programme along the banks of the Jamuna River.
Under the project titled “Protection of the Right Bank of the Jamuna River: Safeguarding Katlamari in Fulchhari Upazila and Gobindi and Holdia Areas in Saghata Upazila”, construction of blocks under Package No. 1 in Bormotair area begins under the supervision of the Water Development Board.
However, locals allege that a few individuals, identified as Manik Tikka and Zillu, obstruct the work demanding extortion money. Md. Taibur Rahman, who participates in the human chain, tells reporters that they are holding the protest to demand the commencement of river work.
But under the direction of Manik Tikka, 20 to 30 people arrive and halt the work. Rahman adds that the obstructioners demand money and threaten that the work will not continue without payment.
Another participant informs reporters that Manik Tikka and Zillu directly ordered the contractors to stop the work. “We want the administration to take immediate action so that the river work can continue unhindered,” he says.
Around 200 to 300 people attend the human chain and protest meeting. Speakers state that the river management project has been a long-standing demand of the local people, but some influential individuals are attempting to obstruct it for personal gain. They call for immediate intervention by the authorities.
Regarding the matter, Chief Engineer of Gaibandha Water Development Board, Abu Sayeem Shafiul Islam, says, “I am not aware of any stoppage of work. The issue will be investigated, and necessary measures will be taken.”
