Protest over Keraniganj, Savar ‘land acquisition decision’

Thousands of residents formed a five-kilometer human chain from Basila to Kolatia bazar in Keraniganj today after hearing that the government would acquire land in Keraniganj and Savar areas.

People from all walks of life took part in the human chain from 9:00am to 11:00am, reports Bangla daily Prothom Alo.

They displayed different banners and festoons protesting “the decision of 5,000 acres land acquisition in Taranagar, Kalatia of Keraniganj and Vakurta union in Savar for different development projects”.

“We won’t let the government to acquire our fathers’ land,” said Mizanur Rahman, former chairman of Taranagar union in Keraniganj.

“Where shall we go if our land is acquired?” said another local, Rezaul Haque.

The government has already acquired land in Keraniganj for Central Jail, BISIC Industrial Zone, BCS Housing and Rajuk’s Jhilimili projects, said Shaheen Ahmed, chairman of Keraniganj Upazila Parishad.

“Due to the acquisition, plenty of fertile land has been destroyed,” he said adding that locals will lose out if the government again acquires land in the area.

Therefore, locals urged the government to backtrack for its land acquisition decision, he added.