TALTOLI, BARGUNA, Apr 27: A human chain was formed in Taltoli Upazila of Barguna, demanding the shutdown of fossil fuel-based power projects and a shift to renewable energy.
The programme was held on Sunday morning along the banks of the Payra River, near the Taltoli thermal power plant, under the slogan "Stop war, save the planet."
It was organized by the Taltoli Payra River Hilsa Protection Committee, with support from Waterkeepers Bangladesh and "Dhara" (We for Protecting the Earth). Local residents, fishermen, students, environmental activists and citizens took part, holding placards calling for an end to fossil fuel use and stronger environmental protection.
Speakers said coal, oil and gas-based power generation is a serious threat to the environment and public health. They said these projects are increasing air pollution, contaminating rivers and worsening climate change risks.
They also alleged that waste from the 307MW Barishal coal power plant is being discharged into the Payra River, increasing pollution. This, they said, is reducing hilsa fish production and threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Speakers further said smoke and emissions from the plant are damaging biodiversity in the Tengragiri Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as affecting farmland and public health.
Highlighting coastal challenges, they said people in the region are already facing cyclones, storm surges, river erosion and salinity, and fossil fuel-based development is worsening the climate crisis.
The programme called for the immediate shutdown of all coal power projects, an end to financing gas and LNG projects, and increased investment in renewable energy. They also demanded a fair and planned transition away from fossil fuels.
Speakers at the event included Sultan Ahmed, president of the Taltoli Payra River Hilsa Protection Committee; Arifur Rahman, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh (Taltoli-Amtali); environmental activist and journalist Hairaj Majhi; activist Rafiqul Islam Antar; and local fishermen Md Alamgir Hawladar, Masum Sikder, Hannan Gazi and Md Shaheen.
