Plan to lease off shore oil blocks to foreign cos protested

Dinajpur district unit of National Oil, Gas, Minerals, Power and Port Protection Committee yesterday submitted a memorandum to Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Nabiul Haque Mollah opposing a government decision to lease out nine offshore gas blocks to foreign business giants.
Its district convener Md Mosaddeque Hossain handed down the memorandum.
Phulbari unit of the committee also formed a human chain in front of Niltola intersection on Phulbari-Bogra highway protesting the decision.
Hundreds of people from all walks of life participated braving inclement weather. They carried festoons, placards and banners with them.
Committee leaders urged the government to refrain from signing deal with any multinational businesses giant.
Phulbari unit convener Saiful Islam Jewel demanded rehabilitation of 5,00,000 people. The concerned company expressed intention to relocate 50,000 people only, he said.