The River Erosion Resistance Committee, Fulchhari organised the programme.

Earlier, they paraded the main streets of the district town chanting various slogans in favour of their demands.

Later, they submitted a memorandum containing their five-point demand to the prime minister (PM) through the deputy commissioner (DC). They held a protest meeting on the premises of the DC office.

While narrating the plight of erosion victims, the speakers said at least 1,500 families became homeless while many schools, madrasas, mosques, government and non-government offices have been devoured during the last fortnight. Standing boro crops on thousands of acres of land were also damaged as due to unabated erosion along the western bank of the Brahmaputra. The worst affected area stretches from Gideri union to Balashi ghat.

But the authorities concerned are yet to take measures to mitigate the sufferings of the victims, they alleged.

They expressed their alarm saying that the erosion area is only three and a half kilometre off the main town. They also threatened a greater agitation if their demands are not met immediately.

President of the resistance committee Jotish Chandra Modak, secretary Abu Al-Khair, Nirbalendu Barman Baiya and Nuruzzaman Razu addressed the meeting.

When contacted, Gaibandha BWDB executive engineer Moklesur Rahman told this correspondent they have contacted the higher authorities and hoping to take immediate measures to stop river erosion.