Rupganj Residents Hold Human Chain Seeking Protection of Farmland and Homesteads

Local residents of Kayetpara and Rupganj unions in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj held a human chain and press conference in Dhaka, demanding protection of agricultural land, homesteads and local water bodies.

The human chain was organized by the Paitrik Bhita-Mati Sangrakshan Parishad in front of the National Press Club at 10am on Friday (August 28). Later at noon, the organization held a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.

A written statement was presented on behalf of the organization by its convener/member secretary, Ahsan Ullah. Alhaj Abu Bakar Siddique, Rafiqul Islam, Sergeant Elias Parvez, Abdus Salam, Ahsan Ullah Master, lawyer Nazmul Islam and lecturer Nur Salam also spoke at the event.

The speakers said their movement was not directed against any institution or organization. They said their main objective was to protect local agricultural land, homesteads and the environment through peaceful and lawful means.

In the written statement, local residents expressed concern over the impact of the Jalsiri residential project on agricultural land and homesteads in different areas of Kayetpara and Rupganj unions. They alleged that activities such as sand filling and road construction were being carried out in some areas before the completion of land purchase procedures.

The residents also referred to a dispute involving around 7,000 bighas of agricultural land across 17 mouzas in the two unions in 2010. They alleged that local residents faced legal cases and other difficulties while raising objections at the time. They further claimed that some agricultural land was subsequently affected by sand filling.

At the press conference, the residents also sought publication of detailed information regarding the proposed boundaries and maps of the residential project, including relevant land purchase and acquisition information.

The organizers said local residents had submitted written complaints to Rupganj Police Station and memorandums to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and District Administration seeking solutions to the issues.

The residents also raised concerns over the reported filling of the Ichakhali Canal in Rupganj. According to them, the canal has historically been used for navigation, irrigation and fishing. They expressed concern that reduced water flow could contribute to waterlogging in surrounding areas.

They demanded immediate steps to restore the canal, ensure normal water flow and preserve its navigability.

The press conference presented nine demands, including stopping sand filling and road construction until relevant land purchase or legal procedures are completed, re-excavating the Ichakhali Canal, publishing the detailed boundaries and maps of the residential project, protecting agricultural land and homesteads, and ensuring appropriate compensation and rehabilitation for affected residents.

The residents said they want a peaceful and lawful resolution through dialogue with the relevant authorities.