"Demand letter to the PM Abe: Do not support and finance the Matarbari coal-fired power plant phase 2 project in Bangladesh", 12 June 2020

We, 44 organizations from 18 countries draw your attention to our deep concern with the JICA-financed Matarbari coal-fired power plant (CPGCBL-Sumitomo). JICA has already provided approximately US$ 1.48 billion, and anticipates providing an additional, estimated US$ 1.32 billion(*1). A second phase with additional 1,200 MW capacity is proposed to be built with funding from JICA. We write to raise urgent human rights and environmental concerns regarding those coal-fired plants in Matarbari, Cox’s Bazar. These power projects would also damage the health and livelihoods of local communities and our climate.

We demand Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) not to support and finance the project on the following reasons:

Reason 1: Bangladesh is already burdened with power overcapacity, and additional capacity will increase the financial loss. The country already needs around USD 8.0 billion for the post COVID-19 economy, and the cyclone Amphan recovery...

Reason 2: JICA should investigate complaints in land acquisition and compensation process in Matarbari project...

Reason 3: JICA cannot deny responsibility for worker’s right violation as labourers were forced to continue work during COVID-19 lockdown risking their health...

Reason 4: Pollution from Matarbari plant would cause significant health damage and premature deaths in Bangladesh...

Reason 5: Building new coal-fired power plants is neither consistent with the goal of Paris Agreement, nor is Japan’s Long-term Strategy under the Paris Agreement...