Bangladesh must revive its movement against open-pit coal mining in Phulbari and reject the controversial coal mine project, which could cause lasting damage to farmland, groundwater and local livelihoods, economist and activist Professor Anu Muhammad said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a rally in the Nimtala area of Phulbari town to mark Phulbari Day, he urged people to strengthen their campaign against the proposed coal mine.

The rally was organised by the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports.

“The Phulbari coal mine is not a sustainable project,” Anu Muhammad said, arguing that open-pit mining would destroy fertile agricultural land and put underground water reserves at serious risk.

He said the consequences would extend beyond the environment, affecting the local economy and people’s lives for years.

The project has also faced criticism in reviews by expert committees, he said, urging the authorities to formulate energy policies based on public interest and environmental protection rather than the interests of foreign companies.

Speakers at the rally demanded the complete cancellation of the Phulbari coal mine project and called for an affordable and environmentally sustainable energy policy.

The rally was chaired by Saiful Islam Jewel, convener of the Phulbari upazila committee.

Before the rally, Anu Muhammad and other National Committee leaders joined a procession through the town. Demonstrators displayed red cards and demanded that Asia Energy be driven out of Bangladesh.