Check Monga: CPB

CPB and Bangladesh Khetmojur Samity organised the sit-in demanding permanent steps to resist monga, a famine-like situation, in northern areas.

Addressing a rally organised at Jirani Bazar in Savar on this occasion, CPB President Manjurul Ahsan Khan said price hike of essentials coupled with flash flood in northern region made the monga situation worse this year.

But the government is unwilling to admit the reality, he added.

Criticising the prime minister's speech 'purchasing power of people has increased,' the CPB chief said without taking any steps to resist monga, the prime minister rather started mockery with the poor people.

He urged all to strengthen the oust-government movement to root out the misrule of BNP-Jamaat alliance.

Manjurul warned that the CPB, Khetmojur Samity and other organisations would launch stern programmes across the country if the government does not take any steps to stop monga and let people die from hunger.

The rally was also addressed by Shahidullah Chowdhury, Syed Abu Zafor Ahmed, Shah Alam, Muniruzzaman, Shahadat Hossain, Ruhin Hossain Prince and Prof Azharul Islam, said a press release.

Speakers at other places made a 15-point demand that included setting up of gruel kitchens in monga-effected areas, distribution of Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) cards to real destitute, permanent rationing system in rural areas, and reopening of closed industries.

The sit-in demonstrations faced resistance from police at Panchagarh, Dinajpur, Gazipur and Thakurgaon, the release added.