The proposed coal-based Rampal power plant will not only destroy the Sundarbans but also damage the friendly relationship between India and Bangladesh, said Prof Anu Muhammad at a discussion.

The friendship and communication between Bangladesh and India is so important, said Prof Anu, adding that Indian environment scientists also agreed that the power plant will also harm the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest.

The discussion on Rampal power plant was held at the Bishwa Sahitya Kendra, organised by the Centre for Bangladesh Studies.

Sultana Kamal, convenor of the Sundarban Rokkha Jatiya Committee, urged the youth of the country to join the movements demanding cancellation of the power plant project.

She alleged that the powerful persons have already started setting up industrial plots around the Sundarbans because of the Rampal plant, an India-Bangladesh initiative. 

Prof Badrul Imam said experts already informed the ministers of the government about the possible environmental degradation due to the power plant but they said it will not cause any harm.

The speakers said the government claimed that the power plant is 14kms away from the Sundarbans.

But the Pashur River is just beside the power plant and all the polluted water with waste materials will fall into the water body, they said, adding that eventually the river water will enter the forest spoiling its life and food circle.

They also said around 47 lakh tonnes of coal will be used every year in the plant that will produce around 10 lakh tonnes of ashes, and sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide.

According to the project, theses toxic gases will be controlled through technology but an allegation has been raised against 188 coal-based power plants of the USA that those polluted water during a process to prevent air pollution.