BNP trashes govt’s claim of Unesco’s objection withdrawal

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today alleged that the government is 'deceiving' people by carrying out a propaganda saying that Unesco has lifted its objection to Rampal power plant near the Sundarbans.

"We don't want any coal-fired power station to be set up near the Sundarbans. We've clearly said the power plant must be relocated from there. But the government is deceiving people by spreading lies over it," he said.

The BNP leader further said, "The government is telling people whether Unesco has withdrawn its objection to the Rampal power plant project. It's totally false and it has been spread by Awami League. I visited their (Unesco's) site yesterday (Friday) and found it only assured the government of withdrawing the objection after further assessment of the project."

Fakhrul came up with the comments while speaking at the party's member collection programme at Raipur union in Sadar upazila.

Earlier on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry said the World Heritage Committee of Unesco withdrew its earlier objection to the construction of Rampal power plant project. It has also spared the Sundarbans from being relegated to the List of World Heritage in Danger.

The ministry said the decision was made at the 41st session of the World Heritage Committee held in Krakow, Poland.

Turning down the governments' version, Fakhrul said Unesco only said it will proceed with the project only after more assessment and evaluation. "Why is the government betraying people giving a false reference of Unesco?"

He alleged that the government is adamant to set up the power plant at Rampal as it has taken a big amount of money as bribe from the company implementing the project. "We can't allow the government to construct the power plant that will harm people and environment."

Fakhrul urged the government to take steps for holding a fair and acceptable election under a non-party administration through talks and understanding.

He, however, said it is Awami League's old character to try to hang onto power by force. "Only a path is open for us to defeat this evil force by a democratic movement and fair election under a neutral administration."