The demand was made from a human chain and rally organised by Save the Environment Movement in front of the Mazar Gate of High Court in the city.

Speakers at the rally demanded formation of an action team for demarcating maritime boundary of the country as per the Territorial Waters and Maritime Act 1978.

They also demanded formal negotiations with India and Myanmar to halt their exploration within the Bangladesh maritime boundary.

Their other demands included preparation of a list of resources available within the maritime boundary, formation of a high level monitoring cell at the Prime Minister's Office and a discussion on the issue at the budget session of parliament.

Presided over by Sheikh Mohammad Shahidullah, convenor of National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas and Port, the speakers also demanded formation of a negotiating team comprising representatives from the ministries of energy and mineral resources, defence and foreign affairs for bargaining at bilateral, regional and international levels.

Convener of Save Environment Movement Abu Naser Khan, Khondoker Reaz Hossain, President of Gorki Welfare Foundation Dr Jesmine Ara Sathi, President of Dhaka Bar Association Abul Kalam Azad, President of Sylhet Bibhag Unnayan Parishad Abed Reza, Jahangir Juboraj of Greenforce, Advocate Abul Kalam Azad, Ruhul Amin, Haji Ansar Ali and Nazim Uddin also spoke on the occasion.