Mithapukur: The Shalmara River Protection Committee of the Riverine People organized a human chain today at Taboar Ghat in Pairaband union of Mithapukur upazila, demanding the immediate cancellation of the lease of the Shalmara River. Leaders and activists from the committee also called for the punishment of the former Deputy Commissioner, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, and Assistant Commissioner (Land) involved in leasing the river.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the human chain event was presided over by Md Shah Jalal, the President of the Shalmara River Protection Committee, and saw participation from a large number of affected riverside residents. Dr. Tuhin Wadud, Director of Riverine People Bangladesh and Professor of the Department of Bengali at Begum Rokeya University, attended as the keynote speaker.
Md Halim Mian Ranga, General Secretary of the Shalmara River Protection Committee, along with river organizers Atiqur Rahman, Rafiq Mia, Mujibur Rahman, Azizar Rahman, Mahfuzar Rahman, and Chaomun Patwari Supta, Convener of the Riverine People Club of Begum Rokeya University, were among the speakers at the event.
Professor Tuhin Wadud highlighted that the leasing of the Shalmara River is a violation of the constitution, law, and a High Court verdict. He noted that approximately 51 acres of the river’s land have been illegally leased in three separate locations, demanding the immediate cancellation of these leases and accountability for the officials involved.