'Stop sand lifting from Padma'

They also demanded steps to stop filling up of city wetlands and evict illegal establishments from Rajshahi protection embankment.

Hundreds of local people, including lawyers, development activists and professionals, joined the programme.

A rally was also held at Shaheb Bazar Zero point where Rajshahi Protection Movement Council Convener Jamat Khan, NGO activist Debashis Pramanik Debu, journalist Hasan Millat, Rajshahi Zoo Protection Committee Convener Advocate Abu Raihan and Mahtab Chowdhury spoke.

The speakers said hundreds of trucks extract sands from the riverbed of Padma that is weakening the embankment.

At least 500 unauthorised establishments are there on the 17-kilometre Rajshahi protection embankment, they added.

They urged the government to stop violation of the environmental laws.

They also urged the conscious citizens to resist the rule violators.