Leaders of the Left-leaning political parties yesterday warned the government that the construction of Rampal power plant near the Sundarbans must be stopped by November 30 or they would resort to intensive protest programmes, including a march to Dhaka. The leaders also urged people from all walks of life to make the Dhaka rally of National Committee to Protect Oil Gas Mineral Resources Power and Ports a success on October 29.
They made the announcement at a press conference, organised by the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BASAD), at the Mukti Bhaban auditorium in the city. The press meet was organised to share their views after their tour from Dhaka to Bagherhat from October 13 to October 17.
CPB leader Manjurul Ahsan Khan said, “We want electricity, but not by destroying the Sundarbans. There are other ways to generate electricity, but there’s no alternative to the Sundabans.” “Cancel all projects, including Rampal power plant, responsible for the destruction of the Sundarbans,” he said, alleging that the ruling party and police vandalised their podiums and prevented them from using loudspeakers and distributing leaflets in different places on their way to Bagherhat.
Khan claimed that their march in connection with the Protect Sundarbans programme was successful in spite of the impediments created by the government. BASAD general secretary Khalequzzaman said, “Rampal power plant is being set up near the Sundarbans. There has been rampant encroachment of land near the Sundarbans. Different signboards of ruling party leaders and businessmen are on display at those places.”
“The government is trying to gag the voice of the people by threats or spreading misleading information about Rampal power plant,” he alleged.
Mujahidul Islam Selim asked the government to arrange an open debate on the issue. He said the Sundarbans would face catastrophic consequences if Rampal power plant is built there. He urged everyone to support the movement to protect the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and
lifeline of Bangladesh.