Prof. Anu Muhammad, member secretary of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports, said on Tuesday that destruction of the Sundarban, the largest mangrove forest in the world, would make the country vulnerable to environmental disasters. He iterated a seven-point demand, including cancellation of the proposed Rampal Power Plant project near the Sunderban. “We can’t leave our country unprotected by allowing the proposed power plant to be set up in the Sunderban. Destruction of the forest will usher in natural disasters,” he added.
Anu Muhammad, also a teacher of Jahangirnagar University, made the remarks before the start of the five-day Dhaka-to-Sunderban “long march” from the Jatiya Press Club in the city at 11 am.
“If the power plant is set up, the mangrove forest can’t be saved from the deadly pollution,” he said.
Anu Muhammad also said that the committee would not allow any company, either from India, Russia or Bangladesh, to set up power plants which would destroy the mangrove forest. “The government has taken up the project to please India. We urge the government to cancel the project. Otherwise, people will reject you. Listen to the voice of the people and try to understand their emotions. Don’t set up the proposed power plant near the Sunderban. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay a high political price,” he added.
He urged the government not to obstruct their peaceful programme.
The Communist Party of Bangladesh president, Mujahidul Islam Selim, National Committee convener Sheikh Md Shahidullah, columnist Syed Abul Maksud, Prof MM Akash, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal general secretary Khalequzzaman and Gonosanghati coordinator Junayed Saki were present.
“This project will only benefit India and a handful of people in Bangladesh who will get fat commissions from the project. The country will face serious environmental consequences if the project is implemented,” Sheikh Md Shahidullah said.
“We’ve tried hard to suspend the project, but to no avail. So, we’ve decided to take to the street and arrange the long march. We’ll never let the government go ahead with the project,” he asserted.
Since early morning, a number of leaders and workers of different Left-leaning parties, including the CPB, Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal, Gono Front, Naya Gonotantrik Bam Morcha, Chhatra Union and Biplobi Chhatra Moitree, began to gather in front of the Jatiya Press Club.
Sheikh Md Shahidullah formally kicked off the long march. The procession of more than 2,000 people moved towards Matsya Bhaban. They paraded through Shahbagh and went to Asad Gate and Shyamoli, where they boarded buses.
The long march reached Rana Plaza in Savar at about 2:00pm where they held their first meeting. The leaders of the committee showed their due respect to the deceased workers of the Rana Plaza building collapse. Later, leaders of the committee held rallies at Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus premises, our correspondent said.
Professor Nasim Akhtar Hussein, the university convener of the national committee presided over a short meeting at the cafeteria premises.
The speakers here said, “We want the development of the country but not the destruction of the Sundarban.”
Besides, different cultural and social organisations of the campus staged dramas and recited poems in protest of the power plant project.
The protesters left JU at around 5.00pm.
On September 25, the marchers will reach Faridpur via Goalondo and Rajbari. On September 26, they will reach Jessore via Madhukahli-Kamarkhali, Magura, Jhenaidaha and Kaliganj. On September 27, they will reach Khulna via Fultala, Doulatpur and Khalishpur. On September 28, the marchers will reach Tigraj (Sunderban) via Bagherhat, Kantakhali and Chulkathi.
A convoy of 28 buses, some pick-up vans, microbuses and other vehicles will carry the marchers. Many people will join the march from different districts on their way to the Sunderban.
The concluding public rally will be held at Tigraj and the “Sundarban Declaration” will be read out there on September 28 in the afternoon.
Members of cultural organisations will stage dramas, exhibitions and sing songs on the way to the Sunderban.
-With The Independent input
