Locals protest 'illegal' dredging by BNP leader in Faridpur

FARIDPUR, June 25 (UNB): Residents of a river erosion-prone area in Faridpur formed a human chain on Wednesday, demanding the removal of a dredger "illegally" installed in the Arial Kha River.

The demonstration was held around 2:30 pm at Amir-Kha Kandi village under Charmanair Union of Sadarpur upazila. Around 50 men and women took part in the programme.

The protesters alleged that a dredger was recently installed in the Amir Kha area of the river by Abdur Razzak Khan, joint convener of Sadarpur upazila BNP, for sand extraction. They claimed that despite informing the administration, no action has yet been taken to remove the dredger.

The protesters also alleged that attempts were being made to extract sand by intimidating local residents.

Nurunnahar Begum, 52, a widow who lost her home and land to river erosion and now lives with her family in a rented house.