Dhaka: State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid on Thursday hinted that the government would not have any objection if S Alam Group shifts the site of the proposed coal-fired power plant from Banshkhali to any other location, reported United News of Bangladesh.

‘Whether the private company (S Alam Group) will move to any other location from Banshkhali or not…it's absolutely their own matter. If they seek cooperation to change the site of the plant, the government will consider it,’ he told reporters on the sidelines of a workshop on power system master plan at Bidyut Bhaban in the city.

The government will just buy power from the private power producer's plant as per the contract, he added.  

The junior minister's remarks came against the backdrop of the police firing on aggrieved people who were opposing the proposed power plant in Banskhali upazila of Chittagong.  

Four people were killed and 20 people, including 10 cops, were injured in 'police firing', as the villagers clashed with the police during their demonstrations on Monday last.

Later on Tuesday, three cases, including two for killing and another for police assault, were filed with Banshkhali Police Station against over 57 named and 3000 unnamed people in connection with the clash in the area.

S Alam Group of Industries and a Chinese company are jointly setting up the 1,320 MW power plant in Banskhali upazila.

Meanwhile, a probe committee, led by additional district magistrate (ADM) Mohammad Muminur Rahman, has been formed to investigate the incident.

The probe committee has been asked to submit its report within seven days.

Nasrul Hamid said the government is waiting for the probe body report.