Such allocation and specific planning are also important for the development of agriculture, education and healthcare facilities and transport networks and the creation of employment opportunities in haor areas, they said at a press conference organised by Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) and Nagorik Sanghati in the city.

The two organisations also announced that they will hold a citizens' rally at Shahbagh on June 23 to press home their demands.

Reading out a written statement, IT expert Mostafa Jabbar said special planning and budgetary allocation are needed for haor areas as the environment, biodiversity and living style of people in those areas are totally different from other parts of the country.

Development of haor areas through proper planning will eventually boost the national development, he said.

The health situation in haor areas is precarious, he said, adding that there are not enough nurses and beds in hospitals.

Due to lack of proper planning and maintenance, aquatic resources have dwindled to a great extent, the environmentalists said and demanded cancellation of the system of leasing out haors.

They also called for special budgetary allocation for Monga-affected northern region.

Bapa General Secretary Mohidul Haque Khan, Nagorik Sanghati General Secretary Sharifuzzaman Sharif, haor expert M Inamul Haque, former ambassador Abdur Rahim, former Wasa chief engineer Kazi Mohammad Shish and Mihir Biswas also spoke.