Villagers form human chain for compensation

The villagers affected by the land subsidence in Barapukuria Coal Mine area yesterday formed a human chain demanding rehabilitation and compensation from the authorities concerned.
The locals of 10 villages including Kalupara, Jhigagari, Bolorampur and Moupukur area gathered in front of the main entrance of Barapukuria Coal Mine Company Ltd (BCMCL) and formed a human chain from 10:00 am to 1:00pm.
Later, they held a meeting in front the BCMCL gate where Md Ibrahim Khalil, convener of 'Jiban O Sampad Rakhkha Committee' alleged that most arable land of the area subsided by two to three feet but the BCMCL authority and the government were yet to response to their compensation.
The meeting also threatened for a greater agitation if the government does not fulfil their demand in next 7 days.
The speakers in the meeting criticised the government for not implementing its pledges made by advocate Mustafizur Rahman, state minister for environment and forest, while a team of affected villagers met with him two months ago.
The villagers alleged that they had met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Shamsul Haque Tuku, and discussed over the issue.
They also urged the government to build new houses for the victims immediately.