Anti-Rampal activists announce plans for more protests

Following a half-day shutdown to protest the construction of the Rampal power station, The National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports has announced nationwide demonstrations and three major rallies in Khulna.

The National Committee’s Member Secretary Anu Muhammad announced the protest calender on Thursday in front of the National Press Club after the shutdown that lasted from 6am to 2pm.

A nationwide demonstration will take place on Jan 28 to protest the ‘attacks and terror unleashed by police’ on the students march by Dhaka University’s progressive student organisations in support of Thursday's shutdown, he said.

The National Committee also called for protesters to take to the streets across the nation on Feb 25 to demonstrate against the coal-based Rampal power plant and other threats to the Sundarbans.

In addition, a mass rally will be held in Khulna on Mar 11 ‘with the participation of people from coastal districts.

Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up the Anti-Rampal protests in the Dhaka University area. At least 10 activists have been admitted to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.

Activists from various organisations took to the streets at the Paltan, Press Club, Daily Bangla intersections and surrounding areas in support of the shutdown.

Activists of the CPB, BSD and the Democratic Revolutionary Party shut down traffic from the Paltan intersection to the Motijheel road from 10:15 am to 11:30 am.

There were no major interruptions to traffic outside the Dhaka University and Paltan areas. No other major disruptions to daily business was also reported .

The leaders of The National Committee held a rally in front of the Press Club from 12pm to 2pm.

BSD General Secretary Khalequzzaman, CPB General Secretary Syed Abu Jafar Ahmed and Revolutionary Worker’s Party General Secretary Saiful Haque and others spoke at the rally.