Many civil society members from Chapainawabganj residing in Rajshahi city also joined the protest.

In Satkhira, the Awami League-led 14-party opposition brought out a procession in the town protesting the killings.

Starting from Shaheeb Bazar Zero Point in Rajshahi city, the processionists paraded different streets and returned to the same venue where the rally was held.

Speakers at the rally demanded immediate arrest and punishment of those responsible for the killing of innocent farmers who were demanding uninterrupted power supply for irrigation.

They criticised the government for not taking timely action, that led to the killing of at least 24 people in police firing in last two months.

They also demanded withdrawal of 'false' cases against the villagers and compensation for the victims' families.

Alongside, the Rajshahi University and city units of Samajtrantrik Chhatra Front (SCF) jointly brought out a procession in the city protesting the Kansat killings. SCF also held a rally at Shaheeb Bazar zero point, where speakers said this government killed people for demanding power for irrigation.

This shows the alliance government has taken recourse to repression to cling to power anyhow, they said.

The SCF also expressed its solidarity with the people of Kansat and their 14-point demand including uninterrupted power supply.

They also urged the people to observe the countrywide dawn to dusk hartal on April 20, called by 14-party opposition alliance, protesting the Kansat killings.

Our Satkhira Correspondent reports:

The Awami League-led 14-party opposition alliance brought out a procession and held a rally in the town yesterday protesting the Kansat killings.

Over 500 leaders and activists of the component parties took part in the procession that started from Shaheed Abdur Razzak Park.

At the rally held at the same venue, speakers bitterly criticised the government for killing innocent power-starved people in Kansat.

They said the law enforcers without any reason swooped on innocent villagers.