Reiterating the demand for implementation of the first phase of land acquisition for divisional activities, sparing their dwellings and farmlands, agitated villagers of Mymensingh Sadar upazila vowed at a rally that they would go for tougher movement if it is not fulfilled by December 21.

The rally was held at Char Gobindapur Primary School ground in Char Sirta union under the upazila yesterday.

The villagers have been continuing their movement for nearly two months under the banner of Basotbhita and Fasolijami Rakkha Committee.

"We hope the administration will take steps to save our farmlands and homesteads at the meeting with the movement leaders scheduled to be held on December 21 at the deputy commissioner's office," the leaders said.

"If the administration acts according to the proposed acquisition list, it would be a disaster for the char people living there for centuries," they said.

"We want development of Mymensingh division and are ready to assist the government, but the khas land should be used on priority basis" the speakers said.

The rally was addressed by committee convener Prof Syed Mosharraf Hossain, Kazi Rafiqul Islam, Abul Monsur, Nadim Mustafa, Sadequl Islam Sabuj, Shahidul Islam, Dr Harun-ur-Rashid, among others.  

They recently submitted memorandums to Religious Affairs Minister Principal Motiur Rahman and deputy commissioner of Mymensingh in this regard.