Residents protest proposed relocation of NESCO headquarters from Rajshahi to Bogura

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Residents of Rajshahi held a protest on Monday to oppose the government’s proposed relocation of the Northern Electricity Supply PLC (NESCO) headquarters from Rajshahi to Bogura. Demonstrators gathered outside the company’s head office in the Hetem Khan area under the banner of “Rajshahibasi,” signaling growing public resistance against the administrative shift.

Local leaders, including Boalia (West) Thana BNP President Shamsul Islam and Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP President Mamunur Rashid, addressed the crowd, arguing that the move is fundamentally unacceptable. They contended that as a divisional city, Rajshahi relies on the presence of major institutions to maintain its administrative stature. Speakers warned that transferring the headquarters would result in significant economic damage, stifling local employment, trade, and overall regional growth.

The protest served as a stern ultimatum to authorities, with organizers threatening to escalate their response to include strikes and more rigorous agitation if the relocation plans are not abandoned. Participants characterized the move as a politically motivated decision that ignores the interests of the local population.

চট্টগ্রামে পুলিশের তালিকা এড়িয়ে সক্রিয় দেড় শতাধিক অস্ত্রধারী সন্ত্রাসী

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Following the protest, a formal memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister was submitted through NESCO Executive Director of Administration and Human Resources, Afaz Uddin. The document underscores the widespread public anxiety and frustration caused by the proposed transition, reiterating the demand to keep the company’s administrative operations in Rajshahi.

The controversy stems from a July 16 directive issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, which requested a feasibility analysis from NESCO regarding the potential administrative and financial impacts of moving the office to Bogura. The inquiry followed a formal request made to the Power Minister by State Minister for Local Government and Bogura parliamentarian Mir Shahe Alam.