Khulna: Members of the Greater Khulna Development Movement Coordination Committee today formed a human chain in the city's Shibbari area, demanding the construction of a modern, multi-purpose Zia Hall at its previous site. The programme was held at Shibbari intersection at around 11 am.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the speakers at the rally following the human chain highlighted that the BNP government had originally established Zia Hall, named after former Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, at the prominent Shibbari intersection. This facility was intended to host large public and cultural events for the residents of the divisional industrial city.
The speakers accused the Awami League government of not only changing the hall's name upon assuming power but also demolishing the building after declaring it risky. Since then, the site has remained vacant, although Khulna residents still recognize the location as Zia Hall.
The protestors articulated their demand for the immediate construction of a new, modern, aesthetically designed, multi-purpose high-rise Zia Hall at the same location. They issued a warning that if their demand was not promptly addressed, the people of Khulna would intensify their movement to ensure the hall is rebuilt on its original site.
The human chain event was chaired by the committee's president, Sheikh Ashraf Uz Zaman. Among the notable figures addressing the gathering were Khulna-2 lawmaker Advocate Jahangir Hossain Helal, Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Khulna city BNP President and KDA Chairman Advocate SM Shafiqul Alam Mona, and Khulna city Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Professor Mahfuzur Rahman.
The committee's Secretary General, Advocate Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Hafiz, conducted the programme, which also saw participation from leaders and activists of various political and social organisations.