Meherpur farmers form human chain protesting land acquisition for BGB
Meherpur Correspondent
Residents of Chandbil village in Meherpur Sadar Upazila formed a human chain along the Meherpur-Chuadanga regional highway on Sunday morning to protest the proposed land acquisition for a Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) battalion in Mouza No. 91.
Following the demonstration, the villagers submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner urging an immediate halt to the process.
Led by local leaders Majed Ali, Shariful Islam Bakul, and veteran freedom fighter Gurudas Halder, speakers emphasized that nearly 90% of the local population depends on agriculture. The protest highlights that prior development—including hospitals, seed offices, and schools—has already significantly reduced the area's arable land.
Villagers argued that acquiring the remaining highly fertile, multi-crop land would destroy the livelihoods of approximately 5,000 residents and agricultural laborers. Protesters clarified that while they do not oppose development or the BGB battalion, they demand the facility be established on alternative, non-agricultural land to protect local food security and livelihoods.
Copies of the memorandum have been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Land, the Khulna Divisional Commissioner, and the Chuadanga Battalion (6 BGB) office.
