DHAKA: Democratic Left Alliance, a combine of the eight left leaning political parties, has started a five-day road march towards Sundarbans from Dhaka to press demands of scrapping the Rampal thermal power plant.

Prior to the beginning of the march around 10:00am, the left parties staged a rally in front of National Press Club.

Columnist Syed Abul Maksud, Democratic Left Alliance coordinator Saiful Haque, energy expert BD Rahmatullah, Gonotantrick Biplobi Party general secretary Mosharefa Mishu, Junaid Saki, among others were present at the rally.

In the rally, speakers demanded immediate cancelation of the project. They also alleged that the government has undertaken the coal-fired Rampal Thermal power plant ignoring opinions of international community and people of the country.

They also urged the government to set up gas-fired power plant instead of coal-fired one.

There are many alternatives to generate power but no alternative of Sundarbans, the speakers added.

Besides, plying of all types of vehicles has remained halted through the streets in front of the press club centering the demonstration.

BDST: 1317 HRS, OCT 16, 2015
RS