Eight killed, 50 injured in protest in northern Bangladesh

Dhaka, Aug 26 (UNI) At least eight people were killed and more than 50 injured when paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and police opened fire on thousands of demonstrators against the Asia Energy Corporation (Bangladesh) Pty Ltd at Fulbari in Bangladesh's northern district of Dinajpur this afternoon.

The law enforcers opened fire at about 0430 pm (Local Time) as demonstrators proceeded to lay siege to the office of the UK-based mining company to protest the open-pit coal mining system at Fulbari.

Police have confirmed the death of four people but Abul Hossain Rubel, a member of the the Central Committee of the Mass Solidarity Movement that organised the demonstration claimed, that the casualty figure was eight.

Witnesses said after the peaceful holding of demonstration, few demonstrators tried to proceed towards the Asia Energy office to lay the siege, that prompted the law enforcers to open fire.

The organisers alleged that the ''open-cast mining'' would require relocation of about 30,000 locals as well as cause damage to the agricultural lands.

Pro-left political parties including Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) and Bangladesher Communist Party (CPB) condemned the firing on what they called ''unprovoked'' during the demonstration.

Gary Lye, CEO, Asia Energy Corporation (Bangladesh) Pty Ltd in a statement said Asia Energy would like to reiterate that it has been operating lawfully in Phulbari for several years in accordance with a legally binding contract with the government.

''The company is confident that it has the overwhelming support of our community at Phulbari and the adjacent upazillas. We have achieved this by being open, helpful and supportive of many local causes,'' he said.

''Our Phulbari coal project is an open and transparent business that will bring far-reaching benefits to both the local community and the people of Bangladesh,'' he added.

''It is most unfortunate that an unrepresentative outside group has come to Phulbari to cause trouble in our community,'' Mr Lye said.

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