Anti-Rampal rally in Dhaka today

Member Secretary of the platform Prof Anu Muhammad on Wednesday hoped that the government would not obstruct the rally.

Citizens’ platform National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources, Power and Ports is all set to hold a mass rally at the Central Shaheed Minar today demanding cancellation of the 1,320MW coal-fired power plant near the Sundarbans in Rampal.

To attend the rally, activists started “March towards Dhaka” on Thursday from seven different points of the country – Rampal in Bagerhat, Panchagarh, Netrokona, Patuakhali, Sunamganj, Cox’s Bazar and Kansat of Chapainawabganj.

They also campaigned in Dhaka to drum up public support against the controversial power plant being implemented jointly by the governments of Bangladesh and India.

On the other hand, the government is adamant about implementing the project, claiming that it would not harm the mangrove forest or the water species in the nearby Pashur River.

Apart from Bangladeshis, the Unesco and the Ramsar have also asked to shift the project expressing concerns over the possible impact on the Sundarbans World Heritage site.

Member Secretary of the platform Prof Anu Muhammad on Wednesday hoped that the government would not obstruct the rally. Otherwise, the protesters would stage sit-in programmes whenever they are barred.

Source: dhakatribune