Human chain in Chatmohar protests new fossil fuel projects

CHATMOHAR, PABNA, Sept 19: Environmental activists formed a human chain in Chatmohar municipality on Friday morning, demanding that the government refrain from undertaking any new fossil fuel projects.

The programme was organised by environmental groups Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Chalanbeel Rokhhay Amra at Zero Point around 9 am.

The protesters said continued investment in fossil fuel-based energy could increase environmental degradation and pose risks to nature and public health. They called for greater emphasis on clean and sustainable sources of energy.

Dr Mukti Mahmud, Chatmohar Press Club President Rakibur Rahman Tukun, environmental activist Jahangir Alam Madhu and Khalilur Rahman, among others, addressed the programme.

Presided over by Helal-ur Rahman Jewel, the speakers demanded that no new coal, oil or gas-based projects be approved and urged the government to shift towards renewable and nature-based energy solutions.

They also stressed the need to protect the environment and natural resources while meeting the country's growing energy demand.

The speakers said energy development should be planned in a way that protects biodiversity, agricultural land, water bodies and the livelihoods of communities dependent on natural resources.

They urged the authorities to prioritise environmentally sustainable energy sources and take effective measures to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The human chain was attended by local environmental activists, members of the two organisations and people from different sections of the community.