Dhaka: The UNESCO report on Rampal power plant was prepared being influenced by those who are on a movement against its construction near the Sundarban, says Awami League publicity and publication secretary Hasan Mahmud.

‘I’ve read the report published in various newspapers. Some funny issues have been raised in it. The report, for example, says rivers will lose their navigability or get destroyed if dredging takes place in a 36-km area,’ he said.

He said this while addressing a press conference after a meeting of the party’s sub-committee on publicity and publication formed on the occasion of its council at AL president’s Dhanmondi political office in Dhaka.

‘I was a student of Environmental Science. I also taught it in university. It’s not clear to me how rivers will get destroyed if dredging takes place there. After going through the report, I’ve got an impression that the report was influenced by those who are protesting the Rampal plant,’ said Hasan Mahmud, also former Environment and Forests Minister.

The ruling party leader said the government will reply to the UNESCO report and the ministries concerned are working on it.

After the government’s reply, he hoped UNESCO will get the real picture and the UN body will be convinced that the power plant will be set up ensuring protection of the Sundarban.

In a recent report, UNESCO expressed concern over constructing Rampal power plant near the Sundarban, a UNESCO heritage site and suggested relocation of the plant.