TIB Demands Cancellation of Coal Plant Near Sundarbans

TIB Demands Cancellation of Coal Plant Near Sundarbans

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and green activists have demanded cancellation of the 'suicidal decision' on the proposed coal-fired power project near the Sundarbans.

They made the demand at a press conference at the National Press Club on April 15.

TIB along with Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association (Bela), ActionAid Bangladesh, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan (Bapa) and Save the Sundarbans also placed a five-point demand.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Bapa representative Ashraf Mridha, Bela Chief Executive Syeda Rizwana Hasan, ActionAid representative Shomsher Ali and Save the Sundarbans key coordinator SK Faridul Islam were present at the press conference.

Their demands include halting land acquisition and ensuring public participation in taking decision on the project to protect biodiversity of the world's largest mangrove forest, the highest alertness in protecting valuable national resources and the world heritage Sundarbans and making the deal signed with the NTPC public.

Earlier on January 27, 12 renowned personalities of the country demanded immediate withdrawal of the government's decision to set up a coal-fired power plant near the Sundarbans for the sake of environment and biodiversity.

On January 29, an agreement was signed with the NTPC, India's largest power company, for setting up the proposed 1,300-megawatt plant at Rampal Upazila in Bagerhat.