Barishal, 23 September, 2024: A press conference was held today at the Barishal Reporters Unity, Jointly organized by #prantojon and the Barisal Divisional Environment and Public Safety Forum. The conference expressed concerns over the inadequate compensation, rehabilitation, and environmental damage suffered by people affected by various mega projects in Kalapara. Subhankar Chakraborty, Coordinator of Barisal Divisional Environment and Public Protection Forum informed that thousands of people have lost their land, homes, and livelihoods due to the implementation of various mega projects in Kalapara. The compensation provided to them is insufficient, and the rehabilitation arrangements are also unsatisfactory. Moreover, these projects have severely damaged the environment and natural resources of Kalapara.

The main demands raised at the press conference are:

1. Effective measures should be taken to provide fair compensation, proper rehabilitation, and alternative employment to families affected by land acquisition for mega projects in Kalapara.

2. The canals and water bodies filled up for mega projects in Kalapara must be restored.

3. Development projects that do not harm the environment and ecology of Kalapara should be undertaken.

4. All fossil fuel-based power plants in Kalapara should be canceled, and renewable energy-based power plants should be established.

5. The three-crop land acquired for the Ashuganj Thermal Power Plant should be returned to the farmers as the plant has been canceled.

6. Before undertaking any development project, a survey should be conducted through the relevant authorities to take positive initiatives.

The speakers at the press conference further stated that they will launch a movement at the highest level of the government to fulfill these demands. Barisal Divisional Environment and Public Safety Forum Member Principal Gazi Zahidul Islam, Professor Shah Sajeda, Pushpo Chakraborty, Advocate Shubash Chandra and many others were also present in the press conference.