UNB, Dhaka :The National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports on Monday demanded a permanent ban on the plying of commercial vessels through the Shela River route in the Sundarbans.”Despite the PM’s directive for reopening Ghoshiakhali channel and closing the Shela River route, there has been no step in this regard…either the PM has no power or she has said something for the sake of saying… she didn’t give any importance to it,” said committee convener Prof Anu Mohammad.He was addressing a rally organised by the committeeat the Jatiya Press Club as part of its countrywide demonstration programme.”A vested quarter is trying to keep the Shela River route open through their hectic lobbying in their own interest. We can’t rely on the government in saving the Sundarbans from the adverse environmental impacts on it after the oil spill,” he added.He also criticised the government for not seeking assistance from local and expatriate Bangladeshi experts over the issue immediately after the incident.The National Committee convener also slammed Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan for what he said his irresponsible comments and relentless move to keep open the Shela River route for serving the interest of the river vessel owners. He also called for a national unity to protect the Sundarbans.The Committee organised the countrywide demonstration demanding compensation for the affected fishermen following the oil-spill incident and for those who depend on the mangrove forest for their livelihoods, seeking a permanent ban on the plying of commercial vessels through the Shela and Pashur rivers routes and rescinding the government decision to construct a coal-fired power plant at Rampal, Bagerhat.National committee convener Engineer Sheikh Muhammad Shahidullah, Committee organiser Ruhin Hossain Prince, Garments Sramik Oikya Forum president Moshrefa Mishu, among others, spoke on the occasion.
