A citizen's body, formed newly to protect the Sundarbans, will march towards the world's largest mangrove from Dhaka on September 24, if the government does not backtrack on its decision to implement Rampal coal-based power plant by this time.

The decision came just after the formation of the 101-member 'National Committee for Protecting the Sundarbans' on Saturday.

Sultana Kamal, chairman of the Transparency International Bangladesh, has been made the convener of the committee while Dr Mohammad Abdul Matin, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), member secretary of the body.

The committee decided to launch a movement with public in a bid to protect the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans.

It will address total 14 issues relating to the Sundarbans, which include gas exploration drilling in the mangrove and increase salinity in river.

"We hope that the committee will be able to protect the Sundarbans effectively," Sultana Kamal expressed her hope immediately after the formation of the body.

The committed was formed at a meeting titled "Citizen Rally to Save Sundarbans" organised by different organisations working with environment at Mukti Bhaban in the capital.

Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), TIB, Save the Sundarbans Foundation, Centre for Human Rights Movement, Rampal Krishi Jomi Rakkha Committee and Bagerhat Development Commission were among the organisations.

The government signed an agreement with India’s state-run National Thermal Power Corporation in January 2012 to set up the 1,300-megwatt plant at Rampal, 14 kilometres away from the Sundarbans.

But eminent citizens and experts have been demanding that the government stops the project as it will destroy the mangrove.

National Committee on Protection of Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports recently declared to hold a long rally towards Sundarbans if their demand over the Rampal project is not met by September 23.

The committee joined the national body on Sundarbans on Saturday and declared the long march under the platform.