Protest in Dhaka against Indo-Bangla power plant

Dhaka, Aug 16 (PTI) A left-leaning student’s alliancetoday held a protest here against the proposed 1,320 megawattIndo-Bangla joint venture power plant near Sundarbans, theworld’s largest mangrove forest. Activists of Pragatishil Chhatra Jote blocked Shahbaghintersection in Dhaka for one hour demanding cancellation ofRampal power plant’s construction. Environmental groups believe that the plant could affectthe delicate ecosystem of the the world’s largest mangroveforest spreading over both Bangladesh and India. Vehicular movement remained suspended as the activistsblocked the intersection, one of the busiest roads in thecapital, Daily Star reported. "We will stage demonstration across the country on August18 in favour of our demand," Naima Khaled Monika, an activistsaid. They withdrew the blockade after police officialsrequested them to clear the road. At least six persons were injured during a scuffle withthe law enforcers while breaking through the barricades, thereport said. Prior to gather at Shahbagh intersection, the activiststook out a procession on the Dhaka university campus and brokethrough two barricades put by police there. The Rampal power station is a proposed 1,320 megawattcoal-fired power station at Rampal Upazila of BagerhatDistrict in Khulna, Bangladesh. It is a joint partnershipbetween India’s state owned National Thermal Power Corporationand Bangladesh Power Development Board. PTINSA