He was speaking at a view exchange meeting jointly organised by Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) and the commission at National Press Club in the city.

Kholiquzzaman, also president of BEA, added that the draft coal policy unfortunately partially emphasised open mining method rather than underground mining for coal extraction.

Prof Abul Barakat, member secretary of the commission, Justice Golam Rabbani, Golam Mortoza and members of the commission were present at the meeting.

Kholiquzzaman said the government's intention to export coal must be removed from the draft coal policy as Bangladesh doesn't have necessary reserves yet.

He said the upcoming coal policy should be coordinated with the national energy policy so that public can know everything regarding coal reserve and its utilisation for national interest.

Ahmad said so far the government has provided lots of misleading information regarding country's coal reserve.

According to the latest draft coal policy, country's total coal reserve is 1168 million tons, which was estimated 1460 million tons and 2700 million tons respectively on the last two draft policies.

Therefore, the actual reserve should be mentioned in the final coal policy, Ahmad said.

"Coal policy should be homegrown", said Professor Nurul Islam of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

Citing an example, he said Indian government itself operates 572 coal pits, whereas private sector operates only eight.

Bangladesh can follow the Indian model by handling all coal mines through a government body like India, he said.

Besides, after preparing a draft coal policy in December 2005, a total of seven versions have already been prepared. But unfortunately the policy is till hanging for government's final approval.