Rally demands setting up of promised nursing institute

People demolishing the wall demarcating boundaries of Jute Research Institute and Kishoreeganj Sadar Hospital yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

During the rally, the agitated people demolished a wall demarcating boundaries of the Sadar Hospital and adjoining Jute Research Institute (JRI), claiming that an inter-ministerial meeting last year decided to allot 1.5 acres of 'fallow' land of JRI for construction of the nursing institute. The decision could not be implemented due to objection by the agriculture ministry, sources said. The land was supposed to be used for research on jute it is fallow for years, the sources added.

After the rally, people parade streets of the town and laid a siege to the Deputy Commissioner's office. The siege was withdrawn when the Deputy Commissioner assured them of steps for setting up of the proposed nursing institute.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Activists of several socio-cultural organisation in the town also attended yesterday's programme.

On Tuesday also, a rally was held at the same place, demanding setting up of the nursing institute.

The sources claimed that funds for the nursing institute were allocated and work order was given after tender but the contractor could not begin construction due to objection JRI officials and employees.

Following demolition of wall, the Deputy Commissioner and the Police Superintendent visited the spot.

When contacted, Dr. Mohammad Ayub Khan, Senior Principal Scientific Officer at JRI, said he heard about the decision of the inter-ministerial meeting but did not get any official order for handover of the land to the hospital authorities.

At rallies on the hospital compound and in front of the DC office, speakers said the fallow lands of JRI are of no use. Development and expansion of the hospital and construction of a nursing institute would be of great use to the people of Kishoreganj.

When contacted, Kishoregonj Civil Surgeon Sayeed Uddin said Tk 25 lakh has been allocated in the first phase for construction of the nursing institute and work order has been given. But the contractor can not start work due to objection by agriculture ministry.