Rampal Power plant
Nat�l committee rejects govt�s invitation
UNB
The National Committee to Protect Oil-Gas, Power-Port and Natural Resources have rejected an invitation of the Energy and Power Ministry to visit the site of the Rampal coal-fired power plant, all-expenses paid, reports UNB.
The committee comprising mostly Marxists, environmentalists and social activists termed the invitation a trap to obtain a disingenuous approval of the project on their behalf, and thus justify the governments misdeeds.
This invitation is to cover their weakness. Weve already visited the Rampal site several times. There is nothing to see again under their hospitalities, said Engineer Sheikh Muhammad Shahidullah, convenor of the National Committee, while addressing a press conference yesterday.
State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid had invited the leaders of the National Committee to be part of a team scheduled to visit Rampal on November 19.
The National Committee not only turned down the offer, but also put forward their own proposal of a public debate to discuss merits and demerits of the project, after suspending all project activity for the 1320 MW coal-fired power plant.
The Power Division has sent similar invitations to other individuals and organisations opposing the project on environmental grounds, especially its proximity to the Sundarbans.
The Committees response to the state minister was signed by convener Engr. Shahidullah and committee member secretary Prof Anu Mohammad.
At Thursdays press conference at Mukti Bhaban, a copy of the reply was read out by Anu Mohammad, who also responded to a Power Division advertisement published in different newspapers disgracing their campaign against the power plant.
The convener of the National Committee leaders said they want to clear their position that they have not shifted their position. He said the committee would continue to oppose the project as it would destroy the world heritage Sundardbans.
