The programmes beginning across the country today included discussions, demonstrations, processions, and a grand rally in the capital in between November 25 and 28.

The NGOs will organise the programmes in cooperation with the people from all walks of life including leaders and workers of political parties, trade unions, and professional organisations to create public awareness about the impact of the immunity.

At a press conference at the National Press Club, leaders of Peoples Health Movement Bangladesh, World Social Forum Bangladesh and Alliance Against World Bank Immunity, an association of 101 NGOs,

urged the government not to pass any law giving immunity to the bank.

No other country in the world has given such immunity to the WB, said Advocate Mizanur Rahman, member-secretary of the alliance, adding that its demand for blanket immunity in Bangladesh goes against its own organisational rules and regulations.

"It is the constitutional right of the people to sue the WB and seek justice if and when affected by any of its activities," said AFM Immam Uddin, member-secretary of the Peoples Health Movement.

Economic progress will be jeopardised if the government grants immunity to the WB, said Jafarullah, co-ordinator of Gono Swastho and advisor of World Social Forum.

"We will try to hold meetings with prime minister, law and justice minister, finance minister and parliament standing committees to discuss the issue," he told The Daily Star.