Hartal in Rangpur Aug 31 for gas, other demands

The Rangpur Unnyan Parishad brought out a big procession in the town yesterday to press for pipeline gas supply and other demands. PHOTO: STAR

The programme was organised by the Rangpur Unnayan Parishad.

The demonstrators held a rally in front of the DC office, where leaders of the Parishad announced a day-long hartal programme in the district on August 31 if appropriate steps are not announced before that as regards the demands.

The other demands are formation of Rangpur division with eight northern districts, creation of a Rangpur education board and setting up of a university.

The processionists starting from Katachhari Bazar paraded different roads before laying a siege to the DC's office.

At the rally, the Parishad leaders urged the government to fulfil the demands for development of northern districts. They said successive governments did not take any step to develop the 'neglected' northern districts.

Gas has been supplied to Bogra but the government did not take any step to supply gas to Rangpur despite appeals and agitation.

They said tougher programmes will be announced after August 31 if steps are not taken to fulfil the four demands.

The people of northern districts have long been demanding creation of an education board and setting up of an university but these were ignored, they said.

They submitted a memorandum to the prime minister through the DC to fulfil the demands immediately.