Government is emphasising on every opportunities to meet the future demand of energy: State Minister Nasrul Hamid

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said this while addressing a roundtable discussion on 'Industrialization of Chittagong: Availability of Energy" organized by Chittagong Journalists Forum, Dhaka (CJFD) at Bijoy Hall of Bidyut Bhaban here today. Nasrul Hamid said aimed at addressing the future energy demands, the government has given importance on exploration of natural gas from local sources and exploring coal by protecting the nature, proper water management and without accruing any damage to the agricultural land.

"We will favour the process which will remain ahead in the race, as we don't want to miss any option which will be able to meet our demand," he said.

Saying that the government has given land based power plant, the state minister said gas crisis in Chittagong will be resolved within two or two and a half years if the projects undertaken by the government could be implemented according to the stipulated timeframe.

He said a team is working for ascertaining the price of the imported gas and modalities of the use of the gas. The government also needs to prepare a mechanism about long-term contract for gas import and supply from permitted stock. "We need expert for gas negotiation, gas distribution and ascertain gas price," he added.

Pointing out the constant raising of demand of gas and power in the backdrop the country's economic growth the state minister said days after meeting the current gas shortage, gas demand might be shoot up to double, particularly for meeting the target of the garment sector to fetch 50 billion dollar export by 2021.

In this regard Nasrul Hamid emphasized on creating efficient human resources for dealing with the process of exploration, negotiation, price fixing and others matters relating to the energy sector saying that many works could not be implemented in lack of leadership and acute shortage of efficient manpower in this sector.

The state minister said the government also gave emphasis on proper fuel management and said the government wants to give priority to industrial zones rather than households for use of natural gas converting all domestic stoves for cylinder supply.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the former caretaker government Prof. M Tamim, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Dr Selim Mahmud, former Principal Secretary Abdul Karim, energy expert Prof.

Shamsul Alam and Jamil Ahmed, President of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and industry (CCCI) Mahbubul Alam, woman entrepreneur and FBCCI leader Monwara Hakim Ali, energy reporter Shahed Siddiqui also spoke on the occasion while president of the Forum Saif Islam Dilal was in the chair.

Journalist Mamum Abdullah presented a keynote paper on the prevailing energy crisis in Chittagong while Director General of the Power Cell Mohammad Hossain presented a keynote highlighting the future plan and projects of the government to address the energy in the country.

The speakers lambasted the BNP government for rejecting an offer of Myanmar for setting up of gas line through Bangladesh Coast to West Bengal State of India, saying the politically motivated denial caused harm to the country's interest. The Myanmar proposal, contained an offer of giving royalty as well as supply of certain percentage of gas to Bangladesh, would have been benefited for country's economy, they observed.

Speakers said port city Chittagong is reeling on 300 mmcf gas shortage, out of total 600 mmmcf across the country. They said the crisis should not be persisted for indefinite period and the government has to take steps to resolve the crisis within a certain period.

As a country's most vibrant commercial and industrial zone Chittagong must play a major role to achieve the government vision of making Bangladesh a middle income country by 2021. So, opportunities should be given to flourish the industries and businesses in Chittagong ensuring availability of power and energy.