Photo: BSS

KHULNA, July 25, 2026 (BSS) - Members of the Greater Khulna Development Movement Coordination Committee today formed a human chain in the city's Shibbari area, demanding the construction of a modern, multi-purpose Zia Hall at its previous site.

The programme was held at Shibbari intersection at around 11 am.

Addressing a rally after the human chain, the speakers said the BNP government had established Zia Hall, named after former Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, at the prominent Shibbari intersection to facilitate large public and cultural events for the people of the divisional industrial city.

They alleged that after assuming power, the Awami League government not only changed the name of the hall but later demolished the building, declaring it risky.

Since then, the site has remained abandoned, although Khulna residents still identify the location as Zia Hall.

The speakers demanded immediate construction of a new, modern, aesthetically designed, multi-purpose high-rise Zia Hall at the same location.

They warned that if their demand was not met promptly, the people of Khulna would intensify their movement to ensure the hall is built on its original site.

The human chain was chaired by committee president Sheikh Ashraf Uz Zaman.

Among others, Khulna-2 lawmaker Advocate Jahangir Hossain Helal, Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Khulna city BNP President and KDA Chairman Advocate SM Shafiqul Alam Mona, Khulna city Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Professor Mahfuzur Rahman addressed the gathering.

The committee's Secretary General Advocate Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Hafiz conducted the programme.

Leaders and activists of various political and social organisations also joined the human chain.