The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Landowners of the Begunbari and Konipara at Tejgaon area in the city yesterday urged the government not to forcibly 'occupy' their land in the name of reclaiming Hathirjil and city beautification project.

They vowed to protect their land. They were speaking at a press conference organised by Begunbari and Konipara Land Protection and Development Committee at Dhaka Reporters Unity yesterday.

Presided over by Md Alam Khan, convener of the committee, landowners Md Hafez Khan, Siraj Miah, Haji Habibur Rahman, Abdul Haque and Abdul Mannan, among others, addressed the briefing.

They said if the government occupy their 111 acers of private-owned land, at least one million people would lose their shelters.

They alleged that only to benefit two housing companies, the government is trying to implement the controversial Hirajil project wasting huge amount of public funds.

They suggested the government to organise a view exchange meeting between the landowners and the concerned authorities before implementation of the project.

They drew the attention of the LGRD adviser, Army Chief and RAJUK chairman so that they do not have to launch a movement during state of emergency.