Vigils in London and Bangladesh commemorate killing of children protesting against unlawful mine

Campaigners gathered outside the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday, in a somber vigil of remembrance and display of solidarity, marking the 14th anniversary of the killing of three young boys killed in Bangladesh during a protest against the construction of an open cast coal mine in Phulbari, Bangladesh. Al Amin, 11, Salekin 13, and Tarikul, 18, were shot dead on this day in 2006.

GCM Resources PLC (formerly Asia Energy) are the British-based company behind the proposed mine. They continue to trade shares in their 'Phulbari Coal Project' today, despite having no valid asset to operate in Phulbari and no permission to mine anywhere in the world.

In their 2019 Annual Report, GCM revealed that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Power China (the Chinese state owned power company) to construct a coal fire power station in Phulbari. The coalition of activists from a range of climate justice and human rights groups - Phulbari Solidarity Group, London Mining Network, Labour Campaign for Human Rights, XR Youth Solidarity, XR Slough and Reclaim the Power - demand that GCM be de-listed from the stock exchange and no longer be allowed to trade shares.

Gathering to the sound of soft drumming outside the main entrance to the Stock Exchange, the campaigners proceeded to paint the names of the dead on a green banner in an act of commemoration. White flowers were laid and candles lit in their memory. The demands made of the LSE that GCM be de-listed were read aloud. A vigil was held at the same time in Phulbari. A five minute silence was observed in both groups.

Representatives of the Phulbari Solidarity Coalition then attempted to deliver a formal letter to the Stock Exchange, requesting that David Schwimmer, Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange Group begin the process of de-listing GCM and launch an investigation into their activities. Although this was not accepted by security present, a copy was left behind at the entrance to the building and another posted to the LSE Group.

In their letter, the Phulbari Solidarity Coalition allege that GCM have engaged in fraudulent activity in continuing to sell shares in London based on a project that has no legal permission to go ahead in Bangladesh. Further, the letter suggests that the plan to build an open cast coal mine in the only flood protected region of northwest Bangladesh constitutes ecocide. The LSE has not previously acted to penalise any London listed mining company for alleged involvement in the killing of protesters. The coalition says this is bringing the LSE into disrepute.

Dr Rumana Hashem, co-ordinator of Phulbari Solidarity Coalition and eye-witness to Phulbari shooting said: "London Stock Exchange has shown no respect to us. By rejecting our memo, and not letting the post room accept our letter the LSE has rather proved that they support unethical business of British companies who can incite violence overseas.

"But I am inspired by the creatively powerful protest today, led by the coalition in which XR Youth Solidarity, XR Slough and London Mining Network played vital roles. This shows that Phulbari resistance will not die. Here on the 14th Phulbari Day, we are growing . Our struggles will continue as a connected resistance against coal mining. We will come back to London Stock Exchange until the day this company has been delisted."