Professor Anu Muhammad Demands Retraction of Minister Comments on Phulbari Coal Mining During Tragedy Day Commemoration
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Economist Professor Anu Muhammad has condemned recent remarks by the Finance and Planning Minister regarding open-pit coal mining in Phulbari, labeling the government’s stance as irresponsible. Speaking at a rally marking Phulbari Tragedy Day in Dinajpur on Wednesday, Muhammad asserted that authorities remain fixated on coal extraction at the expense of regional stability and environmental safety.
The event, held to commemorate those killed during the 2006 anti-mining movement, featured a morning mourning procession in the Nimtala area, followed by wreath-laying ceremonies at the local memorial by various social and cultural organizations.
Addressing the crowd as the chief guest, Muhammad recalled the 2006 mass uprising in Phulbari, which forced the then-government led by Khaleda Zia to sign a formal agreement with the public. He criticized the current administration for allegedly reviving plans that threaten the land, water resources, and livelihoods of the people of Northern Bangladesh, noting that the government appears to prioritize coal extraction above all else.
Professor Muhammad highlighted the 2006 movement as a global benchmark for public resistance against environmental destruction. He accused successive governments of failing to uphold the six-point agreement reached after the uprising, noting that even during the subsequent administration, residents successfully repelled attempts to seize the area for mining in 2012.
The economist specifically called for the Finance and Planning Minister to retract his statements regarding open-pit mining and issue a public apology. He warned that if the government continues to pursue policies that favor foreign companies and profiteers over public interest, it will face significant backlash.
The rally was chaired by Saiful Islam, convener of the local branch of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power, and Ports. Other speakers included National Ganofront coordinator Tipu Biswas, Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan, Revolutionary Communist League member Mosharraf Hossain, and Dhaka University Professor Samina Lutfa.
Concluding the event, Muhammad demanded the immediate implementation of the 2006 agreement and warned that failure to do so would lead to broader, nationwide protest programs.
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