Move to Expand Military Academy
Fearful locals barricade Dhaka-Ctg Highway
Around several thousand people barricaded Dhaka-Chittagong Highway near Bhatiari under Shitakunda Police Station in Chittagong yesterday morning in fear of land acquisition by the government for the expansion of Bangladesh Military Academy.
Hundreds of vehicles remained stuck on the highway till around 11:15am, when police arrived and removed the barricade.
Sub-Inspector Mostak Ahmed of Shitakunda Police Station said local people have been agitating for some days. About two lakh people reside and some industries and multistoried building are present in the area earmarked for acquisition, he said.
When contacted, army officials in Chittagong Cantonment declined to comment.
Sources said Government declared Bhatiari, Jungle Bhatiari and South Jungle Sonaichhari under Shitakunda upazila as “chaptered area” on November 4, 2007 through a gazette.
The locals filed a writ petition with the High Court in 2009 seeking a stay order on the gazette. The court then passed a permanent stay order on May 11 this year.
Chittagong Cantonment filed a petition against the permanent stay order, which the High Court started hearing on July 19. The next date of hearing is scheduled for August 4.
-With The Daily Star input
