Three dead in coal mine protest (Bangladesh)

[struggle4progress]

by Asad Ahmed in Phulbari
August 27, 2006 12:00

.. The paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles shot at the protesters after they tried to cross a bridge to enter the Phulbari coal mine office of London-based Asia Energy Plc, police officer Ruhul Amin said ..

Witnesses said more than a hundred people were injured - including dozens with bullet wounds - as security forces shot at protesters to prevent them from marching into Asia Energy's office ..

"We've about 50,000 men and women including several thousand aborigines. As we tried to march peacefully, the security forces first lobbed tear gas and then they fired bullets at us," protest organiser Anu Mohammad said ..

"If Asia Energy starts open-cast mining at Phulbari, at least 100,000 people will be displaced. They say only 40,000 will be displaced. But it's not true," Mohammad said .. http://www.news.com.au/sundaytelegraph/story/0,22049,20267435-401,00.html