DHAKA, Jan 5: A group of Urdu-speaking people, said to be stranded in Bangladesh for more than three decades, demonstrated in Dhaka on Thursday, demanding civic rights, including the right to vote in the next general elections. The demonstrators, who claimed themselves Bangladesh nationals, also submitted memorandums to the home minister, chief election commissioner and Dhaka district deputy commissioner, urging them to take steps in this regard.

They also demanded permanent rehabilitation in Bangladesh, an end to eviction drive by the city corporation, resumption of relief and water supply to their camps.

Carrying banners and placards, the protesters under the banner of the Stranded Pakistanis Rehabilitation Movement gathered in front of its office at the Pallabi police station in the morning.

As per their programme to lay siege to the home ministry, Election Commission and Dhaka deputy commissioner’s office, they marched towards the offices until they were intercepted by law enforcers at a city crossing.

A five-member body led by Sadakat Khan Fakku, president of the movement, went to the offices in a police van and submitted their demands.

Fakku said they were assured that their demands would be considered sympathetically.

“All the three offices assured us of taking proper steps in line with the country’s laws and regulations.”