Human chain in Rajshahi protesting relocation of NESCO headquarters

Residents of Rajshahi formed a human chain on Monday to protest against the initiative to relocate the headquarters of the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) PLC from Rajshahi to Bogura. The demonstration was held under the banner of 'Rajshahibashi' in front of NESCO's main office in Hetem Khan in the city. Following the programme, organisers submitted a memorandum.

Shamsul Islam Milu, president of Boalia Thana (West) BNP, presided over the human chain, with Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP President Mamun-or-Rashid attending as the chief guest. Special guest Nazrul Huda, senior vice-president of the metropolitan BNP, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers said Rajshahi is a divisional city and the relocation of such an important institution's headquarters to Bogura is unacceptable. They also warned that such a hasty decision, allegedly influenced by a state minister and a few MPs from Bogura, would prompt a strong movement by Rajshahi residents.

The memorandum stated that the recent news of the headquarters relocation initiative has caused deep concern, anger and frustration among the people of Rajshahi.

Also present at the human chain were Ashraful Islam Nipu, president of Boalia Thana (East) BNP; its general secretary Alauddin; Boalia Thana (West) BNP general secretary Bazluzzaman Mohon; Chandrima Thana BNP convenor Faizul Islam Fahi; former president of the metropolitan volunteer wing Zakir Hossain Rimone; member secretary of the metropolitan youth wing Rafiqul Islam Robin; its joint convenor Salahuddin Biplob; convenor of the metropolitan farmers' wing Sharafuzzaman Shamim; president of the metropolitan labour wing Rafiqul Islam Pakhi; its general secretary Rafiq Uddin; president of the metropolitan weavers' wing Kajal; member secretary of the metropolitan student wing Emdadul Haque Limon; and its joint convenor Abul Kalam Azad Tapon.

It may be mentioned that a letter was sent by the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Sheikh Mejbah Ul Saberin, seeking opinions on the relocation of NESCO's headquarters from Rajshahi to Bogura.