They said the employment of thousands of people involved in the riverine fuel transportation business will be at stake once the project is implemented.
Alliance for Concerned Citizens organised the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club. Daily Bhorer Kagoj editor Shyamal Dutta moderated the programme.
Eminent energy expert Dr M Tamim, Advocate Manzill Murshid, Poribesh Bachao Andolon chairman Abu Naser Khan, Bangladesh Lighterage Vessel Sramik Union general secretary Shahadat Hossain, Nowjan Sramik Federation secretary general Chowdhury Ashikul Alam and journalist Arun Karmaker also spoke on the occasion.
Dr M Tamim said the project will push the jobs of those involved in lighterage vessel operation into risk.
He said the investment by the private sector in fuel transportation business should be taken into consideration and the government should discuss the issue with them before going for the project.
Manzill Murshid alleged that most of the development projects are being implemented as earning sources of some particular businessmen instead of people’s interests.
He said such pipeline project might be one of them. “But until its demerits for environment are determined, the decision of the government will not be changed,” he said.
Shahadat Hossain said about 7000 workers, 1500 employees and 500 owners involved in lighterage vessel business will be put in risk once the pipeline project is implemented.
Abu Naser Khan said it should be learnt whether the government conducted a proper study to identify its impacts on the environment as such projects are implemented without any feasibility study.
Arun Karmaker said the government is claiming that this project will save Tk 1000 crore annually as well as pilferage and technical loss in fuel transportation will be checked. “So, there should be an alternative proposal to convince the government about its negative aspects,” he said.