The water level in Mirsarai has gone down, causing a shortage of potable water. In this situation, the locals have finally started a movement.
The people of the area are not getting water as a result of Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills (BSRM) pumping underground water by installing deep tube wells. So they formed a human chain and protest demanding an end to BSRM’s activities.
Awami League central presidium member and Mirsarai MP Engineer Mosharraf Hossain addressed a protest rally in front of the BSRM factory in Jorarganj on Sunday afternoon.
He said, Mirsarai is an agricultural area. BSRM came here like the East India Company and gradually occupied the hills and built huge factories. Industrial factories are what we need.
That is why Mirsarai has been made an economic zone. If there is any industrial factory in this area, it should be shifted to economic zone. Before setting up the factory, they said they would bring water from the Feni river, purify it and use it. But instead they are working by putting 10-12 deep tube wells. People in the area are not getting water due to installation of deep tube wells. Everything is dry.
He said the BSRM had seized all the forests in the area in collusion with the forest officials. Besides, the hills have stopped many rhymes. We want this industry to move to the economic zone.
He said with a two-month ultimatum, the factory would be closed for two months. No raw material will enter the factory. If you can bring water from the Feni river and use it within two months, then the factory can run for the next one year. Then you have to close the factory and move to the industrial area.
Local leaders and activists of UpazilaAwami League were present at the protest rally.
