Criticising the opponents of Rampal power plant, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government would not do anything harmful for the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest.
Terming their disapproval of the power plant a conspiracy against development, she said, a section of people were habituated to do conspiracy and they always spread false information.
Mentioning that the Sundarbans got recognition as a world heritage site during the rule of Awami League-led government, Hasina said, the 1,320-megawatt coal-based plant would not cause any harm to the forest.
The premier made the remarks while addressing a mammoth public rally at Srifaltala High School Ground at Mongla in Bagerhat.
She urged the vested quarters not to create any obstacle to the construction of Rampal power plant through creating confusion among people.
Hasina said, "Our aim is to work for people. Seven more coal-fired power plants would be constructed in the country, and these plants would help eliminate sufferings of people."
By implementing the power project in Rampal with the support of India, more industries would be set up and more employment opportunities would be created in the area, she said.
The premier also said, "BNP-Jamaat clique has familiarised Bangladesh in the global arena as a country of militants during their tenure. They only know how to grab everything. They don't know how to give anything to people."
Highlighting various successes of her government, she sought vote for Awami League to re-elect the party once again, and thus give it another chance to serve the nation.
Hasina also said the 500-MW coal-based power plant in Dinajpur was already in operation. Thousands of people were living safely in the area surrounding the plant, and the third phase of the plant would be installed very soon.
On the propaganda of the vested quarters against Rampal power plant, she said, they issued fatwa sitting in Dhaka. "I can't understand why they are aggrieved with the project."
Chaired by acting president of Rampal upazila AL Sheikh Abdul Wahab, former Khulna city corporation mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleq also spoke on the occasion.
Before addressing the rally, the premier inaugurated a 200-seat female hostel of Sundarban Women Degree College, Muktijoddha Monument and Khulna 150-MW Power Plant, and laid the foundation stone of academic buildings of several colleges and primary schools in the upazila.
Later at a public meeting at Khan Jahan Ali Degree College Ground in Bagerhat, she said, BNP was killing innocent people in clandestine attacks, failing to muster public support for their demands.
"BNP through its barbaric attitude has proved that they are no more humans. If they are human beings, they would never carry out such dastardly attacks on people," she said.
Earlier, the premier laid the foundation stone of academic buildings of several colleges in the district.