Dhaka: Executive Director of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Professor Mustafizur Rahman on Saturday suggested that there should be an independent committee to constantly monitor during implementation stages whether it is harmful to the Sundarbans and take necessary measures.

‘Why don’t you go and say we’ll set up an independent committee which, in the process of implementation, will monitor whether it is harmful to the Sundarbans,’ he said.

Referring to policymakers’ response assuring adequate control system, Prof Rahman said having an independent committee is the middle way. ‘It’s not the middle way that we’ll compromise (with harmful aspects).’

He said people are sensitive about the project because it is going to be set up near the Sundarbans and the people who are opposing it because it is near the Sundarbans but not because of India’s involvement in the project.

Earlier, Professor Mohammad Tamim said Rampal has two aspects that include environmental concerns, huge anti-Indian rhetoric and political aspect.

Asked about his personal views on the project, the Buet Prof said, ‘Actually that’s a sad situation to me.’

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at a recent press conference, said the plant would be set up in such a way that it would not harm the Sundarbans.