Hartal on Jan 26 if Rampal project not scrapped

The National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports yesterday announced to observe a half-day hartal in the capital on January 26 if the government does not scrap the Rampal power plant project near the Sundarbans.

Prof Anu Muhammad, member secretary of the committee, made the announcement from a rally at Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.

Earlier, around noon, thousands of protesters from different parts of the country gathered to attend the rally as part of their programme "Cholo, Cholo, Dhaka Cholo" (Lets march towards Dhaka).

The committee also decided to stage a countrywide demonstration on December 26 and observe worldwide “Global Day of Protest” on January 7 to press home their demand.

“An alternative mega plan made by the experts will also be presented on January 14 on ensuring sustainable and pro-environment fuel and power security in the country,” said Prof Anu.

“Though 35 lakh people, dependent on the Sundarbans will be affected and five crore people will be victim of natural disasters, the government wants to build the plant…,” he added.

Prof Emeritus of Dhaka University Serajul Islam Chowdhury said, “Those who have no patriotism want to build the power plant against the country's interest. They are talking about development, but it is the development for only 1 percent and will hurt the rest.”

Mujahidul Islam Selim, president of Communist Party of Bangladesh, urged the prime minister to join an open debate for finding a suitable solution.

“Our movement is for saving mankind and environment,” said Junaid Saki, coordinator of Gono Songhoti Andolon. The committee also urged all to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day and Victory Day with a voice to save the Sundarbans.

After the rally, activists brought out a procession that marched different city streets in Shahbagh, TSC, and Matsya Bhaban area.