The residents were still relying on the water distributed by the army.

The newly installed pump at Paterbagh could not operate almost all daylong yesterday for lack of electricity supply, adding to the sufferings of the local people.

Meanwhile, Sangram Parishad, a locals' body spearheading the movement for water and power, at a press conference yesterday

evening announced a 10-point demand including a permanent solution to water and power shortages in Demra-Shyampur area.

Parishad Convener Moslehuddin Masud among others attended the press conference.

At another press conference called by BNP lawmaker Salahuddin Ahmed's son Imran Ahmed Russell at the Jatiya Press Club, supporters of the lawmaker blamed the opposition Awami League (AL) for the attack on him during demonstrations on Dhaka-Chittagong highway on May 5.

The speakers, mostly activists of the ruling party and its front organisations, also blasted the media for "peddling a propaganda" against Salahuddin.

They said Salahuddin expressed solidarity with the agitating locals and was coming out of the crowd after having peaceful talks when the "AL terrorists" assaulted him.

"It was an attempt to kill him and tarnish his image for political gains," Advocate Badruddoza, a governing body member of Shahid Zia Girls School and College, said, reading out a paper at the press conference.

The locals who took part in May 5 agitations could not return home in the face of constant threats from the ruling party cadres, who continued patrolling the area round the clock to resist people from speaking out against water and power crises.