Protests on against Phulbari killings

Our Gaibandha Correspondent reports: Workers' Party (WP) and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) brought out processions chanting slogans against the government.

Later, a meeting was held where speakers demanded cancellation of the project by scraping the contract with Asia Energy Bangladesh (Pvt) Ltd., treatment of inured persons and compensation to affected people.

Our Khagrachhari Correspondent reports: Pahari Chhatra Parishad (PCP), student wing of United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) staged a half-day road blockade here protesting the Phulbari coalmine killing.

PCP brought out a procession but police resisted them at Chenghi Square from proceeding towards the main road. Being resisted they staged a sit-in demonstration and held a meeting there.

Speakers condemned the killing and demanded proper investigation into the incident and immediate arrest and trial of culprits.

They also criticised the Bangalee settlers for grabbing their land in Mohalchhari upazila.

In Rajshahi University (RU), Progotishil Chhatra Jote (PCJ), a combine of left-leaning student organisations, yesterday enforced a day-long strike on the campus protesting the killing.

Academic activities on the campus came to halt as PCJ leaders and workers prevented teachers from taking classes and examinations. They locked the main gate and the university administration building.

A meeting was held in front of the central library where PCJ leaders said the 4-party Alliance government killed innocent people just to protect interest of the Asia Energy Bangladesh (pvt) Ltd executives. They threatened to launch a Kansat style agitation at Phulbari and demanded proper investigation, trial of culprits, compensation to victims' families and proper treatment of the injured.