PHULBARI, November 6, 2026 — More than 500 residents from Phulbari and neighbouring areas formed a human chain on Friday, demanding the speedy implementation of the Phulbari Coal Mine Project, fair compensation and rehabilitation for affected families, and employment opportunities for local youth.
The hour-long peaceful demonstration was held at Baigram intersection, the proposed site of the mine’s first coal extraction area, under the banner of “People from All Walks of Life of the Phulbari Coal Mine Area.” Participants came from Phulbari, Parbatipur, Birampur and Nawabganj.
Addressing the gathering, local representative Md Zakaria Nayan urged the government to begin coal extraction promptly, in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s statement in Parliament. He said affected families must receive fair compensation, proper rehabilitation, improved housing and guaranteed employment opportunities.
Nayan also warned against repeating alleged shortcomings in compensation and rehabilitation experienced by people affected by the Barapukuria Coal Mine.
He said developing the coal reserves beneath Phulbari and four surrounding upazilas could help address Bangladesh’s energy shortages and generate economic benefits. He urged the government to take early decisions on implementing the project.
Other speakers included Md Abdul Kader, Md Abdul Aziz and Md Biplob Hossain. Demonstrators also called for better local infrastructure, public services and income-generating opportunities for communities in the project area.
