Speakers from a human chain demanded adequate compensation as the local people in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar district observed the 28th anniversary of the Magurchhara gas field explosion on Saturday.
On June 14, 1997 a destructive gas well blowout occurred close to midnight at the Magurchhara gas field in Kamalganj, Moulvibazar. US oil major Occidental was drilling the well at the time.
A human chain was formed in front of Magurchhara gas field around 11 am on Saturday where speakers demanded justice and compensation for the disaster.
From then, various organizations have been observing June 14 every year through different programs.
The area affected by the explosion included reserved forest, part of the Akhaura-Sylhet railway, Fulbari tea orchard, part of the Kamalganj- Srimangal highway, Magurchara Khasia punji and the main power line of PDB.
Besides, 28 tea gardens of the area were affected in the heavy shake. Trees, environment, and above all the biodiversity over an area of nearly 700 hectares of nearby forest area were severely damaged.
Pahar Raksha Paribesh O Unnayan Society (Hill Protection, Environment and Development Society) and several other local organisations jointly organised the human chain.
Presided over by the president of the Pahar Raksha Paribesh O Unnayan Society, Md Moynul Islam Chowdhury, the programme was attended by Selim Ahmed Chowdhury, Kamalganj Govt College lecturer Hamida Khatun, journalist Abdur Razzak Raja, NICHSA president Abdus Salam and general secretary Russel Hasan Bokt, environmental activist Saju Ahmed, Shahara Islam Ruhin, labour leader Dulal Mia, student leaders Liton Gazi and Minhajul Islam Munna, and indigenous leader Suchingul.
Speakers at the programme expressed frustration that even after 28 years, Bangladesh has yet to receive any compensation from Occidental Petroleum—the US-based company held responsible for the disaster.
They criticised the government’s inaction and demanded immediate publication of the damage assessment report, adequate compensation for the affected communities and household gas connections for residents of Kamalganj.
The speakers reaffirmed their commitment to continue the movement to protect national interests, noting that while the government has remained silent, activists have kept the issue alive.