Bagerhat, Dec 26, (V7N) – A public signature campaign and human chain were organized in Bagerhat demanding the removal of encroachments on government canals. The event was held on Wednesday (December 25) afternoon in the West Danga area of Satyagambuj Union, initiated by local residents. Among those present were Jamaat-e-Islami Bagerhat District Council Shura member Manjurul Haque Rahat, UP member of Satyagambuj Union Ward No. 1 Mohammad Rasel, retired headmaster Rajjab Ali Akunji, retired health assistant Nirudh Bihari Mridha, Mojam Sheikh, Piyush Kumar Nag, Babu Satyaranjan, youth representative Arnab Mistry, Sheikh Imran, Ishita Debnath, and others.
 
Satyagambuj Union is a historic area rich in the memories of Khwaja Khan Jahan Ali. In the past, this region produced abundant rice and other crops. For agriculture and fresh water, Khan Jahan Ali (RA) had dug numerous canals and beels (wetlands) in the area. However, over time, these government canals have been encroached upon and converted into shrimp farming areas. Local people have accused some unscrupulous individuals, with the backing of dishonest shrimp traders, of regularly occupying the canals for fish farming.
 
UP member Mohammad Rasel stated, “Almost all the canals in Satyagambuj Union, especially the Khontakata, Shatkuli, Godara, and Nodhkhali canals, have been encroached upon. If these canals are freed from encroachment, our area will once again prosper in crop production.”
 
Jamaat leader Manjurul Haque Rahat said, “We are aware that for a long time, some unscrupulous people have been occupying our government canals for shrimp farming. Today, I stand with the youth to free these canals from encroachment. We know that since August 5, the general public has been claiming their rights, and in the same spirit, we now unite to free these government canals. Once freed, thousands of people in our area will be able to produce crops and fish.”
 
Sheikh Imran, a member of the Rising Star Youth Group, said, “We have been trying for a long time to free the canals. Now, the local residents are working together. If the canals are freed, water flow will be ensured, and agricultural production will increase.”
 
The participants of the human chain demanded the immediate government action to free the canals from encroachment.
 
END/MPS/AJ/