Rampal power plant protesters block Shahbagh

Activists of Pragatishil Chhatra Jote, an alliance of left-leaning student organisations, blocked Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka for one hour demanding cancellation of Rampal power plant’s construction near the Sundarbans.

Vehicular movement remained suspended as the activists blocked the intersection, one of the busiest roads in the capital, around 12:30pm and staged demonstration there for next one hour, our correspondent reported from the spot.

“We will stage demonstration across the country on August 18 in favour of our demand,” Naima Khaled Monika, president of Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, announced while holding a rally there.

They withdrew the blockade after police officials requested them to clear the road, said our correspondent.

At least six persons were injured during a scuffle with the law enforcers while breaking through the barricades, claimed Snehardi Chakrabarti Rintu, general secretary of a faction of Samajtantrik Chhatra Front.

Of the injured, Gobinda Das was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital while four others took primary aid, Rintu said.

Prior to gather at Shahbagh intersection, the activists brought out a procession on the DU campus and broke through two barricades put by police there.