Bangladesh

This article is part of our interview series, Southern Perspectives on the Coronavirus Pandemic,

In recent weeks I have interviewed several social movements activists and NGO campaigners in Bangladesh about the impact of coronavirus on their country. Many are fearful to speak publicly, especially to members of the foreign media and NGOs, about their concerns and views over their government’s approach to the pandemic.

A group of Bangladeshi activists contacted Global Justice Now in 2008 to stand with them in their struggle against plans for a UK backed mine that was to built in Phulbari, Bangladesh.  If the proposal for the mine went ahead it would displace 130,000 people, contaminate the water supply of hundreds of thousands and destroyed fertile land.