Residents remind PM to execute Phulbari Coal Mine Project

More than 500 residents of Phulbari and neighbouring upazilas formed a human chain on Friday, urging Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to honour his parliamentary commitment and take immediate steps to implement the long-delayed Phulbari Coal Mine Project.

The demonstrators demanded immediate coal extraction, fair compensation and proper rehabilitation for families affected by the proposed project, as well as guaranteed employment opportunities for local residents, particularly young people.

The hour-long peaceful demonstration was held at Baigram intersection, the proposed site of the mine's first coal extraction area, under the banner of 'People from All Walks of Life of the Phulbari Coal Mine Area', according to a press release.

Residents from Phulbari, Parbatipur, Birampur and Nawabganj joined the programme, carrying banners and festoons highlighting their six-point demands. 

According to the organisers, although the human chain was scheduled to begin at 10:00am, residents started arriving at the venue around 8:00am. Hundreds of people had gathered before the programme formally began.

The demonstrators placed six demands before the government: immediate decisions to implement the Phulbari Coal Mine Project; fair compensation and proper rehabilitation for affected families; guaranteed employment for local residents; improved housing facilities; income-generating opportunities for communities in surrounding areas; and better local infrastructure and public services.

The demonstration reflects renewed pressure from local residents on the government to move forward with the proposed coal project, while ensuring that affected communities receive adequate protection, compensation and economic benefits.