Professor Anu Muhammad at Shadow Parliament
Professor Anu Muhammad (left) with Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury at the shadow parliament event in Dhaka. Photo: Courtesy of organizers
By Our Correspondent, Dhaka
Published: May 24, 2025, 21:25
Published: May 24, 2025, 21:25
Labeling the Rampal power plant as a symbol of Indian dominance, Professor Anu Muhammad, a renowned economist and member of the Democratic Rights Committee, has urged the government to shut it down to restore national unity. “Rampal is not just an environmental threat; it represents Indian influence over our economic and national sovereignty,” he said. “To strengthen our national unity, we must close this project and seize the assets of those involved in corruption.”
He made these remarks during a vibrant shadow parliament organized by Debate for Democracy on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the FDC in Dhaka. The event, chaired by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury, Chairman of Debate for Democracy, focused on the issue of foreign influence and corruption in the energy sector.
Rampal: A Symbol of Indian Influence and Environmental Threat
Professor Anu Muhammad stated, “The Rampal power plant, built through agreements with Indian entities, is against national interests. Its location near the Sundarbans poses a severe environmental threat.” He accused the previous Awami League government of strengthening Indian influence through this project. “Shutting it down may cause temporary losses, but we can recover by confiscating the assets of corrupt individuals,” he added.
Call for Strengthening National Unity
Emphasizing the need to reduce Indian influence in the energy sector, Professor Muhammad said, “Projects like Rampal, Matarbari, and Ruppur are burdens on our economy and weaken our sovereignty. To foster national unity, these agreements must be reviewed and, if necessary, canceled.” He also demanded the publication of a list of corrupt individuals and the seizure of their assets. Highlighting the environmental risks to the Sundarbans, he noted, “These projects are destroying our national assets.”
Disappointment with Interim Government’s Actions
Reflecting on the public’s expectations following the mass uprising, Professor Muhammad expressed frustration with the interim government. “While the indemnity law in the energy sector was repealed, validating the previous government’s projects has disappointed the people,” he said. He called for a transparent review of these projects to curb Indian influence.
Organizer’s Critique and Corruption Allegations
Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury, the event’s chair, remarked, “The previous regime saw massive looting in the energy sector through a nexus of politicians, bureaucrats, and businessmen, facilitated by Indian influence. Projects like Rampal have harmed national interests.” He demanded strict legal action against those responsible. A report by Energy Bangla highlights how unqualified foreign firms secured contracts through corruption, escalating costs.
Shadow Parliament: Vibrant Youth Debate
The shadow parliament, themed “Lack of Proper Planning is the Main Cause of Looting in the Energy Sector,” saw Dhaka International University’s debaters triumph over Bangladesh Textile University. The judging panel included Professor Abu Muhammad Rais, journalists Mainul Alam and Rishan Nasrullah, Professor Tajul Islam Chowdhury, and Md. Mohiuddin. Trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to participants.
Context and Credible Sources
Professor Anu Muhammad has long opposed foreign influence and environmentally harmful projects in the energy sector. Since 2010, he has been a vocal critic of the Rampal power plant, sparking widespread discussion among environmentalists.
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