Cancel lease, save Matasagar

Locals form a human chain in front of Dinajpur press club yesterday demanding cancellation of the lease of Matasagar, a large water body near the town, and steps to save the picturesque area from grabbers.Photo: STAR

A human chain was formed in front of Dinajpur Press Club yesterday demanding cancellation of lease of 'Matasagar', a large water body on around 45.31acres of land under Sadar upazila.
The four-party alliance government leased 'Matasagar' to an influential BNP leader who has allegedly set up poultry farm, rice mills and some other business establishments, encroaching on the water body.
Leaders of the political parties, local newsmen and representatives from different socio-cultural and non-governmental organisations joined the human chain arranged by Matasagar Rakkha Committee.
Addressing a rally at the venue, the speakers urged the government to cancel the lease of 'Matasagar' to stop encroachment on the water body.
They said the water body has lost its beauty as the lessee has set up poultry farm, rice mills, levelling the high lands around it.
Shariful Ahsan Lal, acting general secretary of Dinajpur Awami League alleged that BNP government leased out the water body, violating the rules. He demanded immediate cancellation of the lease.
Dinajpur Press Club President Chittya Ghosh, General Secretary Golam Nabi Dulal, Convener of Matasagar Rakkha Committee Prof Saifuddin Akter also spoke.
The speakers demanded that the government also take steps to protect Dinajpur Rajbari, Boromath, Ramsagar, Anandasagar, Kantanagar Temple, Sukhsagar, Julumsagar, Padma Sagar and Harisagar.
The Matasagar Rakkha Committee will hold its programme in the capital today (Wednesday). Addressing a press conference at Dinajpur Press Club on Monday, Prof Saifuddin, convener of the committee, said they will continue their programme until the demand is met.
Rezaur Rahman Rezu, general secretary of Dinajpur Udichi and other members of the committee were present at the press conference.