● Demand for implementation of six-point agreement
● Warning of movement if measures are not taken by October
Md. Nur Islam Nayan, Dinajpur Correspondent: Phulbari Tragedy Day was observed in Phulbari, Dinajpur on Tuesday (August 26) through various programs. This day is observed every year on this day in 2006, when three people were killed in the firing of the then BDR during the protest against Asia Energy’s coal mine project. On this occasion, in the morning, various organizations including the Phulbari Upazila branch of the National Committee for the Protection of Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources and Power Ports, combined professional organizations, civil society, business associations, political parties and labor organizations took out separate mourning rallies. Later, tributes were paid to the memory of martyrs Amin, Salekin and Tariqul at the Asat Shaheed Bedi built on the eastern side of the Chhota Jamuna River. Members of the martyrs’ families were also present at the tribute ceremony. A minute of silence was then observed to pray for the souls of the martyrs. The anti-coal mine mourning rally held at the Shaheed Stambha square in the afternoon was presided over by the upazila branch convener Syed Saiful Islam Jewel. The participants included the National Committee’s Central Member Secretary Professor Anu Muhammad, National Ganofront Coordinator Tipu Biswas, Revolutionary Communist League’s Mosharraf Hossain Nannu, BAS’s Saiful Islam Paltu, CPB’s District General Secretary Promthesh Shil, and representatives of various political and social organizations. The speakers demanded the full implementation of the 2006 six-point agreement, the cessation of Asia Energy’s activities, and the withdrawal of the cases filed against the protesters. Professor Anu Muhammad said that even after 19 years, the main demand has not been implemented. He warned that if the demand is not met by October, a new movement program will be announced. Additional police were deployed in the city on that day and army patrols were also conducted. It is worth noting that three people were killed and many others injured in the anti-coal mine project protest in Phulbari on August 26, 2006. Later, under pressure from the protest, the government signed the ‘Phulbari Agreement’ on August 30, but the speakers alleged that it has not been fully implemented to this day.
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