They chalked out the programme to protest an order to stop activities of their organisation -- Terrorism and Extortion Resistance Action Committee (TERAC) for one month. The decision was taken at the district law and order meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner's (DC's) conference room here On November 15.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister for Land Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar. The meeting observed that the activities of TERAC contradicts the constitution as congregation of five or more people with sticks is prohibited.

After its floating in 2000, TERAC stopped extortion and other criminal activities from the town to a great extent.

As part of their protest programme, the traders formed a big human chain and observed a 15-minute strike on Monday. TERAC president Abdus Salam told this correspondent that businessmen gathered with sticks when fellow businessmen raised alarm after being attacked by extortionists.

Earlier, TERAC distributed goat among the needy, organised blood donation programmes at every village in Natore.

Businessmen of other districts also formed similar organisation at their districts to get rid of extortionists.

Rajshahi Protection Movement Council, Rajshahi Businessmen's Alliance Council and various socio-cultural organisations of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj expressed their solideraty with TERAC.