The programme which includes self-immolation on Wednesday was announced at a big rally at Wapda Natun Hat near the project. Several thousand people including women from nearby villages attended the rally, preceded by processions.

Abul Hasan Bulu, a leader of the agitating Bangalees, told the rally that he would be the first man to die on Wednesday.

Earlier they gave the authorities a February 28 deadline to change the decision, which, they say, violates an earlier government decision.

Abul Hasan appealed to the Prime Minister to intervene so that government's earlier decision is implemented as regards allotment of houses in the project.

The Prime Minister is likely to inaugurate the project on March 14.

Completed about two months back, the Tk four crore project has 1000 two-room housing units in 100 barracks, a market, a community centre and other facilities. The army supervised the construction work.

As per the government gazette announced on May 12, 1997, distressed freedom fighters, victims of erosion by river and land requisition, divorced women, land less families and Bangladeshi citizens are eligible to apply for the houses.

Bangalees started agitation as the local authorities refused to accept their applications for allotment. They alleged that applications were received only from Beharis and allotment process was at the final stage.

Other speakers at the rally alleged that the houses are being allotted by taking huge bribes from Beharis and stranded Pakistanis.

A smuggling syndicate of Beharis in Syedpur has raised funds to bribe a section of officials and others concerned, they alleged.

When asked, local BNP lawmaker told this correspondent that allotment of houses at Uttara Housing Project would be given to Biharis. He further said that the earlier announcement made in the gazette is has been cancelled.