Mansur Pabna Correspondent: Activists in Pabna formed a human chain and submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister demanding the first implementation of the Ichamati River restoration mega project, which has stalled due to legal complications.

The hour-long programme was held on Wednesday (April 22) at 1:00 pm in front of the Literature and Cultural Centre on the Government Edward College campus. It was jointly organised by the Ichamati River Protection Movement, Pabna, and Riverine People, Pabna district chapter.

Alhaj Mahtab Uddin Biswas, founding president of Pabna district BNP and a noted politician, social worker, and educationist, attended the event as chief guest.

The programme was chaired by Assistant Professor SM Mahbub Alam, president of the Ichamati River Protection Movement, Pabna, and conducted by Dr Monchur Alam, president of Riverine People, Pabna.

Speakers said the mega project, launched in 2024, came to a halt within six months. The project includes dredging 110 kilometres of the river, constructing 10 kilometres of walkways along both banks in the town, building 56 ghats and 23 bridges, and developing drainage systems and riverbank protection measures. However, no visible progress is currently seen.

They alleged that around 140 cases filed in lower courts, along with negligence by the authorities and administrative complications, have stalled the project. Although the High Court has directed dredging based on CS maps, the work remains suspended for unclear reasons.

Speakers further said that restoration of the 110-kilometre river would bring major improvements in agriculture, irrigation, and communication in Pabna Sadar, Bera, Santhia, Atgharia, and Ishwardi upazilas. It would also help transform Pabna into a modern, pollution-free, and environmentally friendly town.

Among others, Professor Jafar Sadeq, Bhashkar Chowdhury, Khaled Ahmed, Jubayer Khan Prince, journalist RK Akash, Alamgir Kabir Hridoy, poet Nilima Neel, Nandini Arju, Rakibul Islam Rakib, Shariful Islam, and Imam ul Haque spoke at the event.

Around 500 people from different professions, including students, professionals, businesspeople, politicians, and cultural activists, attended the programme.

After the human chain, the protesters submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam at the district administration office, demanding resolution of legal complexities, quick disposal of cases, and full implementation of the project in line with DPP-2023.