Despite being relocated due to land acquisition for the Rampal thermal power plant, around 800 families now living in the Koigordas Kathi cluster village continue to face neglect.
The government constructed houses for 142 families, but the remaining families have built their own houses and are living there.
To this day, no initiative has been taken by the authorities of Rampal thermal power plant for these families.
Although the cluster village has electricity lines, the residents themselves pay the electricity bills.
Muhibbullah, a resident of Koigordas Kathi cluster village, said: “We used to live on khas land after cutting the DCR (District Collector’s Reserve). But after the land was acquired for the thermal power plant, we fell into trouble. Then the government established the cluster village on Koigordas Kathi char for us. The government built 142 houses there. But 800 families live in this cluster village.
"I personally got one house, but it is difficult to live there with my nine family members. So, I built a house on the land beside a nearby pond.”
Sufia Begum, a resident of Koigordas Kathi, said: “We are living in hardship. The government has completed the rehabilitation by building some houses. Now 800 families are living a miserable life. But no steps have been taken by Rampal thermal power plant for the cluster village residents. That is why the suffering of the people here has not ended.”
Ruhin Hossain Prince, general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), said: “From the beginning, we have been speaking out about the environmental damage caused by this power plant. We have also demanded its closure. But the government did not heed. Now the pictures of people’s hardship are emerging. We will quickly collect data and information and clarify our position.”
Tarikul Islam, administrative officer of Rampal thermal power plant, said: “So far, 23 types of services have been provided under CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) for the locals, which are ongoing. Free health services, improved educational environment for children, and various services are available. Eleven water points have been set up for drinking water. Tree plantation activities are ongoing.
"Whenever a new initiative is taken, local representatives are consulted to ensure participation. However, no activity has yet been possible in the Koigordas Kathi cluster village.”
He continued: “The plant uses state-of-the-art ultra-supercritical technology, which ensures significantly lower ash emissions compared to conventional coal plants. Moreover, our Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD), Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs), and Zero Liquid Discharge system ensure strict environmental compliance.
"Contrary to pollution claims, over 165,000 trees have been planted, and the Department of Environment and independent agencies regularly monitor air and water quality."
Tarikul added: "Claims of untreated ash and wastewater discharge are incorrect. All waste materials are treated with modern facilities and meet or exceed environmental standards. The Rampal power plant has made significant contributions to national energy security, producing more than 8,500 million units of electricity since commissioning, directly benefiting industries and households.”
He further said: “Land acquisition was fully conducted in accordance with legal provisions, and all landowners were compensated as per laws approved by the government of Bangladesh. The entire process was completed by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) in coordination with local administration.
"A comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) plan was implemented, including financial assistance, skill training, and livelihood restoration programs.”
