অ্যাকসেসিবিলিটি লিংক

Furor Over Energy Exploration Deal Sparks Bangladesh Clash


More than 30 people have been injured in a clash between demonstrators and security forces in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka.

The violence erupted Wednesday after hundreds of demonstrators gathered to protest the government's decision to award offshore oil and gas exploration contracts to two foreign firms.

Police stopped the demonstrators as they tried to march to the headquarters of Petrobangla, a government energy agency. Witnesses say baton-wielding police clashed with stone-throwing protesters.

The protest was organized by the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports. The demonstrators say they believe the government is handing over Bangladesh's resources to foreign groups.

Last month, the government approved deals that will allow the U.S.-based ConocoPhillips company and Ireland's Tullow Oil to conduct offshore oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal.

Last year, a dispute between Bangladesh and Burma over oil and gas exploration rights along the maritime border in the Bay of Bengal prompted Bangladesh to sent warships to the region.

Our Dhaka Stringer Amir Khasru has more on the story.

XS
SM
MD
LG