The Committee organised the rally on the occasion of Phulbari Victory Solidarity Day at Muktangan in the city with Prof Anu Muhammad in the chair.

They said that people of Bangladesh do not want foreign investments that destroy natural resources and cause revenue deficit as well.

Rather, they want investments that will make the best use of the country's work force, they observed.

The leaders also said the government is now dillydallying the implementation of the agreement signed on August 30.

Prof Anu Muhammad said the government is protecting Asia Energy Corporation's (AEC) interest, as it is yet to take any clear decision regarding the AEC.

He also said they are not against extraction of coal or foreign investment in the country, but they oppose any investment or development project that goes against national interest.

"We are not in favour of keeping coal under the ground, rather, we shall extract coal when we can ensure energy security, industrialisation, development of the country." he added.

Prof Anu Muhammad, also member secretary of the Committee, suggested increasing local expertise for extraction of coal by local experts and not by foreign companies.

He also said according to Energy Adviser Mahmudur Rahman, no mining contract was signed, rather AEC got the lease only to conduct a survey. So, there should not be any question of cancellation of the agreement."

Prof Muhammad also said the government made a pledge to the people by signing the agreement and if the government does not implement it, they will go for tougher movement.

Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) President Manjurul Ahsan Khan, General Secretary Muzahidul Islam Selim, and Workers' Party General Secretary Bimal Biswas also spoke.