Historic Farakka Long-March Day Saturday

The historic "Farakka Long-March Day" will be observed on Saturday in the country commemorating the historic long march of populist leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani to Farakka Dam 44 years ago.

Various socio-political organizations have set out different programs to mark the day.

On May 16, 1976, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani led a massive long march from Rajshahi to India's Farakka dam, demanding the destruction of the dam constructed by the Indian government to divert the flood of Ganges water within its territory.

Hundreds of people took part in the long march and organized protests to oppose the building of the dam.

The Farakka Barrage over the Ganges in the Indian state of West Bengal is nearly 16.5 kilometers (10.3 miles) from the boundary of Chapainawabganj, and has had a significant negative effect on Bangladesh 's environment since its introduction.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a message on the occasion showing deep respect for  Maulana Bhasani.

Source: UNB