The Char Development and Implementation Council on Tuesday organised a rally and memorandum submission programme in Kurigram, pressing for a 10-point demand that includes forming a Ministry of Char Affairs, a separate budget for char areas, and compensation and rehabilitation for people affected by river erosion.

The programme began with a march from Singha Chattar in the Ghoshpara area of Kurigram town in the morning. The procession passed through various roads before ending at the Deputy Commissioner's office premises, where a rally was held.

Following the rally, leaders of the organisation submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Deputy Commissioner.

The rally was chaired by the organisation's president, Professor Shafiqul Islam Bebu, and addressed by General Secretary Ashraful Haque Rubel, Principal Khaja Sharif Uddin Rintu, Principal Shah Alam, Prof Mokhlesur Rahman, Iman Ali, Rafiqul Islam, Syed Ahmed Babu, Professor Nazmun Nahar Beauty, BM Abul Hossain, Yusuf Hossain, Prof Golam Rasul Raja, Yasin Ali and Saiful Islam Badal, among others.

Prof Bebu said millions of people living in Bangladesh's char areas remain outside the mainstream of development and continue to suffer from river erosion, poverty, unemployment and poor infrastructure.

He said an independent ministry for char affairs is necessary to ensure coordinated development and protect the rights of char residents.

Ashraful Haque Rubel said thousands of families lose their homes and livelihoods to river erosion every year and many continue to live in hardship without adequate compensation or rehabilitation.

He called for a separate allocation in the national budget for char areas and the enactment of a dedicated law on compensation and rehabilitation for river erosion victims.

Speakers said many char residents still lack access to clean water, electricity, healthcare, quality education and safe transportation.

They urged the government to adopt a long-term development plan for char areas.

The memorandum also demanded sustainable river management and riverbank protection projects, employment opportunities and greater inclusion of char residents in social safety net programmes.

Participants from different char areas joined the programme and called for the immediate implementation of their demands.

Organisers said their movement would continue until the rights of char people are ensured.