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BANGLADESH
LANDLESS ASSOCIATION
GPO BOX 2473, DHAKA-1000, BANGLADESH
22 July, 2000
To: Ambassador,
Embassy of Thailand
Dhaka
Dear Sir/Madam,
We were concerned to hear the news of the mass arrest of 225 villagers
campaigning for the opening of the sluice gates of the Pak Mool dam in
Ubon Ratchathani. We deplore the violence and brutality of the Thai state
in dealing with the legitimate grievances of rural citizens, in violation
of basic democratic and human rights.
Apart from the construction of dams, which invariably causes dislocation
of large numbers of people, the control and management of them is one of
the greatest problems in developing countries at present. This question
must be resolved in favour of the needs of local villagers whose
livelihood is adversely threatened by such projects. We believe that such
vital issues need to be addressed in open and fair dialogue and not
through heavy-handedness.
We call on the relevant authorities to release all 225 detainees and drop
the charges against them.
Yours faithfully,
Shubol Sharker,
Secretary
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BANGLADESH
LANDLESS ASSOCIATION
GPO BOX 2473, DHAKA-1000, BANGLADESH
22 July, 2000
Dear Friends of Thai Labour Campaign,
We were anxious to hear the news of the mass arrest of Pak Mool villagers.
We deplore the violence and brutality of the Thai state in dealing with
the legitimate grievances of rural citizens. The ruling classes around the
world use such tactics against the impoverished masses, violating basic
democratic and human rights. Apart from the construction of dams, which
invariably causes dislocation of large numbers of people, the control and
management of them is one of the greatest problems in developing countries
at present. We salute your courageous efforts to resolve this question in
favour of the needs of local villagers.
Here in Bangladesh we face similar struggles in trying to raise the living
standard of the most oppressed groups, the rural and urban poor. Over
recent years, instead of improvement we have seen a steady decline in
conditions. The Bangladesh Landless Association is involved in organizing
people in rural areas for greater control over agriculture and fishery.
We are sending a letter of protest to the Thai Embassy in Dhaka and
forwarding your information to other groups that share our outlook. We
believe that coordinated action on an international level can contribute
greatly to our common concerns.
As we do not have direct access to email, we would appreciate receiving
news from you at our postal box address above.
Yours in solidarity,
Shubol Sharker
Secretary
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