Mongla: The proposed Rampal coal-based 1,320 MW power plant would not affect the environment and biodiversity of the Sundarbans as it would be set up 14 kilometres away from the world’s largest mangrove forest.

‘The ultra-super critical technology would be used for the Rampal power plant and harmful substances along with smoke would not be mixed with the air,’ Principal Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Abul Kalam Azad told newsmen after a joint meeting with high officials in Mongla on Thursday.

Chaired by Principal Secretary of the PMO, the meeting was also addressed, among others, by Commerce Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamun, Shipping Secretary Shafique Alam Mehedy, Power Secretary Monowar Islam, Chairman of National Board of Revenue M Nazibur Rahman, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority Paban Chowdhury, Secretary-in-charge of Railway Ministry M Feroz Salauddin, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority Major General M Habibur Rahman Khan, Parjatan Corporation Chairman Aporup Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Private Secretary (Additional Secretary) Dr Nomita Halder, Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Reaz Uddin Ahmed, Khulna Divisional Commissioner Muhammad Abdus Samad and Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat M Jahangir Alam.

The meeting had discussion about construction of five-star and three-star hotels in Khulna, construction of Khanjahan Ali Airport, Mongla to Padma Bridge Four-lane Road Improvement, Khulna-Mongla Railway Track, India-Nepal-Bhutan connectivity with Mongla Port, vehicle import through Mongla port and various issues.

Azad assured all concerned the Rampal coal-based power plant would be set up by following all the rules, regulations and standards of international organisation as well as the Department of Environment of Bangladesh.

He directed all concerned to complete development activities of all development works quickly. Later, they visited Rampal power plant area.