Environmentalists at a human chain yesterday demanded demolition of the BGMEA Bhaban, which was built on Hatirjheel at Karwan Bazar, saying that the demolition will pave the way for removal of 5,000 unauthorised structures to recover 43 canals in the city.

Citizens Rights Movement, Seba, Green Voice and Sundar Jiban organised the human chain in Front of the BGMEA Bhaban at Karwan Bazar. Later, they also submitted a memorandum to the chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) to press for their demand, says a press release.

The green activists said if the BGMEA Bhaban is demolished, it will be easier for the authorities to evict the owners of 5,000 unauthorised structures.

They also demanded punishment to corrupt Rajuk officials and enactment and enforcement of a strict law to prevent grabbing of water bodies.

Citizens Rights Movement secretary general Tushar Rehman presented a keynote paper at the programme presided over by its senior vice-president Maj (retd) Mafizul Haque Sarker.

Former secretary Syed Marghub Morshed, engineer Dr Md Enamul Haque, chairman of Save the Environ Movement Abu Naser Khan, and joint secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon Mihir Biswas also spoke at the human chain programme.