US company Unocal, after signing a contract with Petrobangla, is now working for gas supply to the National Grid from the two wells in Bibiyana gas field in remote Dighalbak village in Nabiganj upazila.

The company would soon start pipeline laying work for the supply, sources said.

An all-party committee has been formed to intensify agitation. Rallies and processions are being held at Nabiganj upazila headquarters almost every day while posters have appeared on walls, saying gas supply to the area is a "legitimate" demand of the people.

An all-party rally was held Wednesday evening with former lawmaker Khalilur Rahman Chowdhury in the chair.

Former lawmaker Abdul Mosa-bbir, Habiganj District Bar Association President Khalequ-zzaman Chowdhury, Nabiganj Pourashava Chairman Tofazzal Islam Chowdhury, district Awami League President Dr Mushfique Hossain Chowdhury, former district BNP President Shafiqur Rahman Farsu, former president of Nabiganj Traders Association Abdul Malik, thana BNP General Secretary Mujibur Rahman Sepu and leaders from other professional groups, political parties and student bodies spoke at the rally.

The rally decided to hold another rally on December 18.

The speakers demanded gas supply to Nabiganj before its supply to the National Grid from Bibiyana gas field. They also demanded development of communication network in the area and government steps for setting up of gas-based industries.