Filling up of Pond by AL MP
People forced to join procession
Women and children of Meherchandi area, who had so far been protesting the filling up of a pond by lawmaker Enamul Haque, were forced to join a procession in the area yesterday demanding the filling up of the pond.
The procession started from Meherchandi Awami League office and ended at the pond on 30-bighas of land, locally known as Shukandighi.
The people in the procession were holding placards that suggested they wanted filling up of the pond as they needed a hospital in the area.
Many people, who took part in the procession, told a group of reporters that the local Awami League (AL) men told them to join the procession and threatened them with dire consequences if they did not obey them.
Some women and children also said they had been offered Tk 10 to Tk 50 per head for joining the procession.
Achia Khatun, an elderly woman, said she brought 15 women to join the procession as local AL man Abdul Hakim had offered them Tk 50 per head.
Abdul Hakim, who was present on the scene, denied the allegation and said they came willingly for the area's development.
Moments after the procession, a number of children were seen standing in front of the local AL office.
Hasibul Islam, a class three student, said he was waiting for Tk 20 he was offered for joining the procession.
The lawmaker started filling up the pond in early February hanging a signboard: Saleha Imarat Hospital and College.
Following a High Court order that went against the filling up of the pond and protest by the local people, the local administration stopped the filling work and seized equipment from the spot.
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