Cancel coal extraction deal with Asian Energy
They also demanded trial of the minister, parliament members and bureaucrats involved in the treaty that goes against the interest of the country.
The rally was organised by Green Voice, an organisation of young environmentalist, at Shahbagh in the city.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Green Voice has been working with the youths of different educational institutions in Dhaka to protect the environment.
It also placed its five-point demand at the rally.
The speakers said as per the contract Asian Energy would receive 94 percent of total extracted coal valued Tk 1,44,000 crore. On the other hand Bangladesh would get only 6 percent worth about Tk 9,000 crore.
Besides, around six lakh people including 50 thousands indigenous people of nearby areas would be evicted from their homesteads because of this open pit mining system, they added.
The speakers said a vast area would remain barren and the ecology of the region would be destroyed for long 130 years.
They said the decision on how to extract coal should be taken by a national organisation, and not by any multi-national companies.
The speakers demanded utilisation of natural resource for the welfare of the people and no conspiracy would be tolerated.
All terms and conditions of the contracts should be made public, they added.
Ruhin Hossain Prince of Bangladesh Communist Party, Mihir Biswas of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, Convenor of Oil, Gas Protection Movement Committee Mohammad Shahidullah, Architect Abdullah Khalid and freedom fighter Shahjahan Mridha were present at the rally.