They demanded immediate cancellation of the multi-million-dollar project to protect the biodiversity of the region.

The rally was organised by Angikar Bangladesh Foundation, a social movement for human rights, development and good governance, at the shrine gate of High Court in the city on the occasion of World Water Day.

The speakers said they will send one-lakh post cards and 10 lakh e-mails to Indian Prime Minister protesting the construction of Tipaimukh Dam.

Dr Md Zahurul Islam, professor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), inaugurated the programme by signing a symbolic post card.

He said if the dam is constructed, it would adversely affect the country's ecology, agriculture, biodiversity and navigation.

All rivers in north-eastern region specially the Surma and Kushiara will be worst effected leading to desertification process in the region, he added.

Alamgir Kabir, co-ordinator of Green Voice, urged the Indian government to withdraw the international tender on the project for the sake of its neighbour.

Muhammad Hilaluddin, chief engineer and Abdur Rashid Sabuj, programme manager of Angikar Bangladesh, and Mahbuba Niru, executive director of Boushi, also spoke on the occasion.