Barlekha-Juri (Moulvibazar) Correspondent: A human chain was organized by the local residents of Juri upazila in Moulvibazar district, demanding the cessation of unregulated sand extraction from the area between Shilua Ferry Ghat Bridge and Bharadahar Koilargat Bridge. The participants also urged the authorities to cancel the inclusion of these locations in the next lease and to protect the river and the surrounding environment.
The human chain was held on Thursday (April 17) at Shilua Ferry Ghat Bridge, where locals, students from various schools and colleges, and people from different professions participated. The affected residents joined the protest carrying banners and placards.
The event was presided over by prominent local elder Abdus Salam and moderated by student leader Junaid Ahmed. Speakers included Maulana Abdur Rahman, Deputy Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami in Moulvibazar district; Maulana Sayem Uddin; local elder Nurul Amin; Mukhlisur Rahman; Ishaq Ali; Abdullah Al Mamun, President of Juri Upazila Workers’ Welfare Federation; Md. Abdur Rahman, General Secretary of the federation; Faisal Ahmed, President of the Construction Workers’ Federation; businessman Alim Uddin; contractor Gias Uddin; teacher Jamil Uddin; and Hasanuzzaman Suayeb, member of the Juri Upazila Citizens’ Committee, among many others.
During the human chain, speakers called for the immediate and permanent cancellation of the sand lease and urged interim government intervention to stop the use of dredger machines. The speakers warned of stricter protests if the sand leases were not permanently revoked.
