Coal Extraction Cannot Be Called Development at the Cost of Agriculture and Environment: Anu Muhammad

Development cannot simply mean extracting coal by destroying agricultural land, water resources, biodiversity, homesteads and local business centres, said Professor Anu Muhammad, member secretary of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports.

He made the remarks on Wednesday at a programme marking Phulbari Tragedy Day in Dinajpur.

Speaking as the chief guest at a mourning rally and discussion organised by the Phulbari branch of the National Committee, Anu Muhammad said genuine development means improving people’s quality of life, protecting agriculture and the local economy, and ensuring a safe living environment.

He said coal extraction from a mine may help meet energy demand in the short or medium term, but if it creates long-term pressure on agricultural land, water security, homesteads and biodiversity, the real cost of such development must be questioned.

“Development cannot be measured only by how many tonnes of coal are extracted. The potential damage to people’s lives, agriculture and the environment must be given equal importance,” he said.

Leaders of the National Committee called for a shift toward renewable energy instead of coal extraction that threatens agriculture and the environment. They urged the government to pursue solar and wind power projects for electricity generation.

Syed Saiful Islam Jewel, convener of the Phulbari branch of the National Committee, warned that any attempt to implement a coal mine project that would destroy Phulbari, without accepting the committee’s alternative energy proposals, would be resisted through a mass movement.

Mahmud Alam Liton, convener of the Sammilito Nagarik Samaj and former municipal mayor, demanded full implementation of the six-point agreement reached between the local people and the then government led by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in 2006. He said the agreement placed importance on protecting homes, homesteads, business centres, agriculture and the environment of the region.

He expressed hope that the six-point agreement would be implemented in line with the current government’s programmes aimed at increasing agricultural production and protecting the environment.

The demand for implementation of the six-point agreement was also raised by leaders of various professional, business and social organisations.

Earlier, at around 10am, a mourning rally began from Nimtala intersection. The procession passed through the main roads of the municipal town before reaching the memorial dedicated to those killed by law enforcement agencies on August 26, 2006, where participants laid wreaths. A discussion meeting was held afterward at Nimtala.

On August 26, 2006, the Phulbari branch of the National Committee organised a programme to besiege Asia Energy’s Phulbari office in protest against the proposed open-pit Phulbari coal mine.

Three young men—Amin, Tariqul and Salekin—were killed when law enforcement agencies opened fire that day, while many others were injured. Among the injured, Bablu Roy suffered permanent disability.

Residents from Phulbari and five surrounding upazilas subsequently joined the movement. As the protest intensified, the government and the National Committee reached a six-point agreement on August 30, 2006, which later became known as the Phulbari Six-Point Agreement.

Residents of Phulbari and organisations involved in the movement have continued campaigning for the full implementation of the agreement ever since.