They staged the demonstration under the banner of Bangladesh Union Parishad Oikya Jote as part of their continued movement to press home their nine-point demand in order to strengthen the Union Parishads and Upzila Parishads and thus promote balanced development.

The other demands include arrangement of Upazila Parishad election as per Supreme Court directives in Kudrat-e-Elahi Panir case in 1992, an end to undue interference by parliament members in local government activities and repeal of all laws restricting autonomy of local government institutions.

The local government representatives also demanded that the authority and responsibilities of women members elected to the reserved seats be specified and 25 per cent of the annual development budget be allocated to the Union Parishads.

The Jote leaders announced that they will hold a rally at Muktangon in the city on May 15 to press home their demands.

Among others, Jote Chairman Golam Sarwar and General Secretary Mushtaqur Rahman Mashur took part in the demonstration.

Former minister for law Advocate Abdul Matin Khosru, CPB General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim, Ruhin Hossain Prince, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar of Shujan and ASM Abdur Rob expressed solidarity with the movement of the UP chairmen and members.