Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) formed a human chain and held a rally demanding exemplary punishment to those responsible for huge wastage of natural gas as well as human and environmental disaster.

Presided over by Bapa executive member and former vice- chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Prof Kazi Saleh Ahmad, the rally demanded a neutral investigation into the blowup.

They also demanded immediate steps to protect the rest of the gas in Tengratila gas field.

It is not a natural disaster, rather it is an example of looting the country's resources through deliberate negligence of the authorities concerned, the speakers said, adding that dubious design and lack of Niko's experience are the main reasons for the second time blaze in the gas field.

National Committee to Protect Oil-Gas Resources and Electricity-Port, at a rally at Muktangon, urged all to continue the movement for cancellation of all contracts with foreign companies that goes against the country.

Presided over by Anu Muhammad, the rally was addressed by Mujahidul Islam Selim, Nurul Hasan, Dilip Barua, and Ruhin Hossain Prince.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) also staged a demonstration at Muktangon.

JSD General Secretary Abdul Malek Ratan spoke as chief guest.

Sylhet Division Development Action Council began a long march from Muktangon to Tangrila to protect the country's natural resources.

Earlier, the council held a rally which was addressed by former minister ASM Abdur Rab, former advisor Zakaria Khan Chowdhury, Syed Khalilur Rahman, and Advocate Selim Newaz.

More than one thousand leaders and activists took part in the long march.