Free farmland from waterlogging

Farmers in Sadar upazila yesterday demanded demolition of an earthen road over Bhatbaur canal to free Gazaria Chak from waterlogging.

They made the demand at a human chain on Manikganj Press Club premises in the town. They also brought out a procession in support of their demand.

Farmers of Pouli, Kanda Pouli, Bandutia, Sewta, Bhatbaur, Chamta and Khagrakuri villages started the procession from Khalpar area.

They also submitted a memorandum to Manikganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Najmus Sadat Selim to take step to free the canal.

Shahadat Hossain Tipu, Monir Uddin, Shahadat Khandaker, Abdur Razzak and Jahir Uddin spoke at  the rally.

They said M/S Khan Developers Limited and Mumtaz Eye Hospital blocked the canal by building earthen road six months ago, leaving more than 1,000 acres of land waterlogged and affecting over 500 farmers.

They threatened to launch fresh agitation if their demand is unmet.

This correspondent found two earthen roads on the canal  and vast areas of farmland waterlogged.

This correspondent tried to talk to the authorities of the  establishments several times, but they did not receive the phone calls.

Selim said he asked the establishments to clear the canal and directed Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shahadat Hossain Khandaker to take action in this regard.

The UNO said he asked M/S Khan Developers and Mumtaz Eye Hospital to free the canal in 48 hours, otherwise, legal action would be taken against them.