Save farmland from being fed with sand
Speakers tell Bapa event
The government should take necessary steps to save around 300 acres of farmland in Khulna's Dacope area from sand dumping, said speakers at a press conference yesterday.
To operate Mongla port, the government decided to dredge Pashur river. The sand dug up from the river is being planned to be dumped into farmlands at Baniashanta, they alleged.
The event was organised by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), held at Dhaka Reporters Unity.
Speakers said if the plan succeeded, around 5,000 families will lose their livelihood.
They termed the move "a clear violation of the prime minister's directive".
"The Mongla port authorities proposed to pay Tk 2 lakh per bigha yearly, as compensation to land owners. But farmers get Tk 8 lakh per year by cultivating paddy and watermelons," said Nur Alam Sheikh, convener of Mongla unit Bapa.
Sharif Zamil, secretary of Bapa, said the prime minister previously instructed not to waste any farmland. But defying everything, the port authorities took the decision.
Speakers urged that the authorities resolve the crisis through formulating and implementing sustainable and environment-friendly plans, involving locals. Supreme Court advocate Suraiya Nasrin also spoke.