Asia Energy pulls out its employees from Phulbari, official says

Biplob Rahman

BDNEWS writer

Phulbari, Aug 28 (BDNEWS) – The British company, Asia Energy, has withdrawn its employees from the coal mining project at Phulbari in Dinajpur district in the wake of Saturday's violence and subsequent protests, the district's chief government administrator said Monday.

Tahsinur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner in Dinajpur, said the Asia Energy withdrew its officials and employees from all units of its Phulbari office Sunday night.

Welcoming the move by the British firm, he said that the company needs support of local people to go ahead with the project.

Meanwhile, police denied the allegation of firing on the demonstrators on Saturday, leading to a further confusion about the blame game between police and BDR.

But authorities said an investigation would find out the facts.

Meanwhile, overruling media reports, both the forces and local authorities said that three people were killed and 32 others wounded in that bloody incident.

The National Committee for Protection of Oil-Gas, Mineral Resources and Ports, however, claimed at a press conference that 10 people were killed and more than 100 wounded.

Replying to a question about the firing, the DC said the law enforcers did not have any other option but to open fire, as the demonstrators turned violent.

"It was difficult to control them," he said.

He said that an investigation had been launched into the incident. "We hope the investigation will determine the facts," he said.

The DC, however, alleged that a certain quarter was trying to mislead people about the number of casualties.

Officer in charge of Phulbari police station, Fazlur Rahman, said that the deceased were identified as Tariqul Islam (21), a student of Rajshahi University, Amin, a day-labourer, and one Salehin.

Tariqul was the son of Mokhlesur Rahman of Chandpara village, Amin of Abdul Hamid of Barokono village under Phulbari upazila, OC said.

Salehin was a resident of Jhoropara under Phulbari upazila, but details of his profession could not be known.

Fazlur Rahman said the bodies were handed over to their family.

He said that police did not fire bullets, they only fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators.

BDR's commander of Dinajpur Zone Lt. Col. Nurul Alam told BDNEWS that his force fired 30 rounds of bullets after receiving written order from the on-duty magistrate.

Nurul Alam said the police also possessed same rifles as BDR. "They know better whether they fired bullets or not", Nurul Alam said, pointing finger at police.

He also protested media reports that the members of the para-military force attacked the residents going their homes.

BDNEWS/1105 hrs.