Bangladesh: ”Eco Park” Threatens the Right to Food of Thousands of Indigenous People in Modhupur Forest, East Telki Village

On January 3, 2004, police and forest guards of Modhupur National Park opened fire at protesters, killing one and injuring 25 others. The protesters are Garos indigenous people who have been living in the forest area of Modhupur for centuries. A few thousand people from surrounding villages were protesting against the government construction work for concrete walls and other infrastructure as part of a Development Project. It aims to protect 3000 acres of land under the name ”Modhupur National Park Development Project”. The park will severely threaten the Garos’ ability to feed themselves as the forest is their sole means of livelihood.  

An international protest action is necessary to support the Garos’ resistance. Please write a polite letter to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, with a copy to the Minister of Environment and Forest and the Home Minister, requesting them to nullify the project immediately.