GAZIPUR: An apparently hasty move towards implementing the much-talked-about Detailed Area Plan (DAP) by RAJUK sparked off widespread protests as elected public representatives are taking a bold stance against the gigantic scheme that involves huge acquisitions of private lands.

Thousands of people in Gazipur district have united with Zahid Ahsan Russel MP in the leadership to protest RAJUK’s plan of acquiring agricultural and industrial lands in the district under the DAP.

As part of the move, protesters are scheduled to hold a rally at Dhaka-bypass crossing in Bason union Saturday to protest DAP extension as well as land-acquisition project of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha.

A fresh agitation programme is also on cards to be thrown from the rally, according to banglanews24.com.bd Gazipur correspondent.

Earlier on Friday, the aggrieved people of the district held a protest rally from which the ruling-party MP from the Gazipur-2 constituency, Zahid Ahsan Russel, expressed his readiness to resign if the ‘controversial’ DAP implementation is not halted.  

Lawmaker Russel, elder son of slain Awami League leader Ahsanullah Master MP, warned RAJUK that he would not allow implementation of its plan that he said runs contrary to interest of the people of Gazipur.

“You may go for your development works in Uttara. But do not dare to come to Gazipur. Your anti-people plan would not be allowed here,” he said.

“If necessary, I will resign from my position as a lawmaker. But I will not allow any eviction or implementation of any anti-people plan to establish town here,” the young lawmaker told his audience.    

Despite Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s order, he said, RAJUK did not discuss with local leaders and MPs before making the gazette notification on DAP implementation.

AKM Mozammel Haque MP from Gazipur-1 also joined forces with the protestors in the anti-DAP crusade.  

BDST: 1436HRS, JULY 3, 2010