Organisers claimed that at least 20,000 people from all walks of life took part in the 'long march' led by local leaders of ruling parties. It was held amidst tight security in the wake of bomb blasts across the country.

The other demands include steps to protect the area from erosion by Brahmaputra and Dudkumor rivers, renovation of Bhurungamari-Kurigram road and infrastructure development in the two upazilas.

BNP leader Saiful Islam Rana, Nageshwari Municipality Chairman Mohammad Hashem, Kurigram distrcit Amir of Jamat-e-Islam Azizur Rahman Shwapan led the 'long march'. People from the three upazilas in Kurigram joined the procession.

The march started after a rally held at Bongo Sonahat. Several hundred motorcycle riders joined the march in the front, who were followed by people crammed in motorised vehicles and many on foot.

The marchers converged on the ground in front of Kurigram Deputy Commissioner's office in the afternoon, where another rally was held.

The leaders handed over a memorandum to the DC Azizur Rahman.

The rally was presided over by Saifur Rahman Rana, president of the Parishad and addressed by, among others, Shamsul Alam badsha, Khairul Alam, Kazi Mustafa and Kazi Nizam.

They said the people of northern districts are deprived due to lack of attention by successive governments. They said a bigger movement will be launched if the government does not take steps immediately to resolve their problems.