They called on the government not to use open-pit mining for extraction of coal at Phulbari and evict indigenous people in the name of carrying out development projects.

They also demanded cancellation of all agreements with Asia Energy and other multinational companies, which go against the national interest.

Oil-Gas-Mineral Resources-Electricity and Port Protection Committee, Jatiya Adibasi Parishad, Bangladesh Adibasi Forum, Adibasi Odhikar Andolon, Sammitito Samajik Andolon, Jatiya Ainjibi Parishad, Bangladesh Krishak Samity and Nagorik Sanghati and Committee to Resist Eviction of Indigenous People, Khulna, jointly organised the rally at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city as part of countrywide demonstration.

Addressing the rally, Prof Mesbah Kamal said that the provisions of the agreement between the government and Asia Energy are against the national interest.

Besides, 50,000 people from 67 villages will be displaced due to the coal mine project, he added.

Prof Anu Muhammad said the project would lead to a human as well as environmental catastrophe.

Prof Ajoy Roy said the project will force the country to suffer a loss of Tk 140 crore per year.

Manjurul Ahsan Khan, president of Communist Party of Bangladesh, called on all to resist the anti-people activities of the government by toppling it through toughest movement.

Sheikh Muhammad Shahidullah presided over the rally while Gono Forum leader Pankaj Bhattacharya, Golam Kuddus of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, Fazle Hossain Badsha, Imran Ahmed Khan, Jagadish Barman and Hari Sadhan Dev Barman also spoke.