Shrimp farmers demand farming plots back
‘We complained about the issues to the local administration at different times, but to no avail’
Bangladesh 10-30 Acre Shrimp Project Owners' Association has demanded that their shrimp-farming plots leased out to them by the government be given back in no time.
The association alleged that the plots have been illegally occupied by using the name of the Awami League.
The allegation came at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Saturday.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Alamgir Majumder, senior vice-president of the organisation, said, "Nine plots in folder number four of the shrimp infrastructure in Sundarbans mouza under Chakaria's Rampur in Cox's Bazar have been seized."
"About 147 acres of land have been occupied in this way."
Mentioning that there are signboards put up there including in Bangabandhu Colony in the name of various leaders, Alamgir said, "When we complained about the issues to the local administration at different times, they said they did not see any signboards. We are disappointed with such behaviour of the administration."
Syed Ali Azam, general secretary of the organisation, demanded immediate eviction of the occupants of these plots and an exemplary punishment to them.
"Besides the possession of these shrimp gher (enclosures), there are other problems too including the sluice gate problem, broken dam and unrepaired internal canal," he added.
"Apart from this, we did not get any incentive during the pandemic."
The association president Omar-bin Abdal Aziz chaired the programme where Kamruzzaman Tuku, vice-president, and Rasheda Awal, joint secretary, were also present.
