Mongla, Sep 13 (V7N) - A boat rally and human chain were held in Mongla to demand the cessation of coal pollution and the protection of the Passur River, a crucial waterway for the Sundarbans. The event, organized as part of the global climate justice movement, took place on Friday morning on the Passur River in Mongla. The rally and human chain were coordinated by We for Earth, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, and Passur River Waterkeeper in observance of Asia Day of Action to End Coal.
 
During the rally and subsequent human chain along the Passur River banks, Mohammad Nur Alam Sheikh, a leader with Passur River Waterkeeper, addressed the gathering as the chief guest. Other notable speakers included Molla Al Mamun, a lyricist and leader with We for Earth (Dhara), Abdur Rashid Howlader, Passur River Waterkeeper volunteer Nazmul Haque, Komola Sorkar from Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Hasib Sardar, and Passur River Waterkeeper volunteers Chandrika Mondal, Maruf Billah, Russell Sheikh, and Mehedi Hasan Babu.
 
The speakers underscored the urgent need to cease the use of coal and transition to 100% renewable energy sources. They called for the elimination of coal-based power projects in Asia by 2035, stating that the shift away from coal is essential in the fight against climate change. The speakers highlighted Asia's significant reliance on coal and stressed that phasing out coal and embracing renewable energy would mark a crucial advancement in climate action. They also demanded the immediate cancellation of all coal power projects, including the environmentally harmful Rampal project, and advocated for investment in clean, renewable energy alternatives. They emphasized that ending coal dependency is vital not only for environmental health but also for public health and socio-economic stability in the region.
 
The event saw the participation of several hundred individuals who held various placards and banners opposing coal.

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