A massive human chain was formed today 28 November 2024 at 10 AM in front of Ashwini Kumar Town Hall, Barisal, jointly organized by PRANTOJON, Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), and Bangladesh Environment and Development Alliance (BWGED), demanding the permanent cancellation of all LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)-based power plants approved under the Special Powers Act 2010, which are currently suspended.
Mr. Ranjit Dutta, General Secretary of CAB, presiding over the human chain, said, “These projects approved under the Special Powers Act are against the public interest and pose a long-term threat to the country’s environment and economic stability. A huge amount of foreign exchange is being spent on importing LNG, regasification at terminals, and operating power plants, which is putting pressure on the country’s economy.”
Md Khorshed Alom, The Executive Director of Arohi said, “If the LNG-based power plants are commissioned, local biodiversity will be destroyed and agricultural land will be damaged. Besides, people will have to pay extra electricity bills due to the high cost of electricity generation.”
Mr. Tauhedul Islam Shahazada, The Executive Director of PRANTOJON said, “These projects have been approved without any environmental assessment, which violates international standards. If the suspended projects are not permanently closed, they will cause further environmental disasters.” He urged the government to work towards sustainable development by canceling unnecessary and environmentally destructive projects.
The speakers at the gathering raised the following demands:
1. All suspended LNG-based power plants should be permanently canceled.
2. Rapid steps should be taken to develop renewable energy.
3. Environmental assessments and public opinion should be ensured in project approvals.
Among others present at the human chain were climate activists, volunteers, civil society representatives, journalists, students, and people from various walks of life.
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#clean
#BWGED
#stopLNG