Stop Tipai hydropower project
Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) yesterday demanded cancellation of the Tipaimukh dam project in India.
The environmentalist group urged the Indian government not to construct any dam without consultation with Bangladesh as it is a lower riparian country.
Bapa made the demands at a press conference at the Reporters Unity in the capital.
Though the Indian government had assured Bangladesh of not taking up any project harming the people of Bangladesh, it has already signed a contract on Tipaimukh hydroelectric project, said Prof Muzaffer Ahmad, president of Bapa.
“People are very shocked at the Indian attitude towards Bangladesh and they hope the government will take proper steps in this regard,” he added.
He called for holding a referendum in Bangladesh on the issue.
Leaders of Bapa also suggested waging a united movement by both the government and the opposition parties against the Tipaimukh dam.
They also demanded cancellation of a probable irrigation project in Fulertal of Assam.
Meanwhile, speakers at a rally in the capital yesterday called for unity among major political parties and taking the Tipaimukh issue to the international court.
Citizens Rights Movement and Initiatives for Peace jointly organised the programme.
The government should wage a strong movement in the country involving all political parties and members of the civil society against the Indian move, the speakers told the rally.
They also suggested arranging a long march to Tipaimukh and placing the issue in regional and international forums.
They announced an 11-point demand including cancellation of the contract already signed, and making public the assessment report on environmental impact and the elaborate design of the project.
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