Photo : BSS

KHULNA, April 16, 2025 (BSS) - The Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee (GKDACC), staged a sit-in protest today in front of the Khulna deputy commissioner's office gas supply to Khulna. 

Demonstrators at the programme strongly opposed the recent change in the planned gas pipeline route from Barisal to Khulna via Bhola and called for the immediate implementation of a direct gas pipeline to Khulna.

Hundreds of GKDACC leaders and activists participated in the demonstration, which was presided over by the organization's president, Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman. 

Leaders and representatives from various socio-cultural and political parties joined the event, expressing their solidarity with the cause.

In their speeches, GKDACC leaders expressed deep frustration over what they described as long-standing neglect of Khulna. 

They accused previous governments of turning the once-thriving industrial city into a "dark valley" by closing both public and private industries, particularly the state-run jute mills.

Calling on the people of Greater Khulna to unite and raise their voices against this ongoing discrimination, the speakers emphasized the urgent need for a direct gas pipeline to support the region's development.

The leaders warned that stronger protest measures would follow if their demands were not met. 

They pointed out that while Bangladesh has three seaports-Chattogram, Mongla, and Payra-investors continue to avoid Mongla Port due to poor road infrastructure. 

They stressed the importance of building an airport to improve accessibility and boost port activity.

"If tougher actions are not taken, our demands will not be heard," they said, vowing to continue the movement until their demands are fulfilled. They even threatened to block the two main entry points to Khulna city if necessary.

At the conclusion of the event, the GKDACC submitted a memorandum to the government through the Deputy Commissioner of Khulna. 

President Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman announced that a mass hunger strike would be the next step if the government fails to address their demands.

Khulna city unit BNP convener Shafiqul Alam Mona, member secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin, GKDACC secretary general Sheikh Hafizur Rahman, city unit Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Mahfuzur Rahman, Advocate Zahangir Hossain Helal and GKDACC vice-president principal Rehena Akter, addressed the event.