Jhalokathi, Sept 12 (V7N) – Local residents in Rajapur upazila staged a one-hour human chain on Thursday around 11 a.m. at the Bypass Mor passenger shed area, demanding the immediate construction of a long-promised public toilet.

More than a hundred people, including traders and concerned citizens, participated in the demonstration. Protesters alleged that despite the Bypass Mor being a key junction where thousands of passengers travel daily to and from different parts of Bangladesh, no public toilet facility exists. They further claimed that although funds had reportedly been allocated for the project, the money was mysteriously withdrawn or redirected, leaving the project stalled.

Speakers at the human chain, including Suman Haque Jewel, Shakil, Press Club President Abdul Rahim Reza, journalist Moinul Haque Lipu, and journalist Ohid Saiful, said the lack of public sanitation facilities creates severe hardship, especially for women and students. In some cases, travelers have been forced to request access to nearby houses, causing embarrassment for both locals and commuters.

They noted that land had been allocated and sand filling work started, but the construction was abruptly stopped due to “invisible influences.” The speakers warned that this time they would not allow the project to be shelved.

Protesters announced that a memorandum would be submitted to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). If no action is taken, they vowed to escalate the issue by submitting a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner’s office to ensure the project moves forward.

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