Amu stresses diverse energy sources for development

Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu emphasised establishing coal- and electricity-based industries instead of natural gas-based plants for regional development, as there is an acute scarcity of gas in Bangladesh.

Payra marine port in southern Bangladesh will play a bigger role than railways in speedy socio-economic development of the region, he said yesterday.

Amu spoke at a seminar on economic and industrial prospects of Barisal division, at the Barisal Club auditorium.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in collaboration with Friedrich Naumann Foundation of Germany organised the programme.

Abdul Matlub Ahmad, president of FBCCI, presided over the programme where Saidur Rahman Rintu, president of Barisal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presented a keynote paper on the topic.

Amu said 604 acres of land have already been selected for establishing special economic zones in Barisal and Bhola.

The ship-breaking industry would also be established at Taltali coast of Barguna, he said.

The minister said efforts to establish a 250MW electricity generation plant and a fertiliser factory are ongoing in Bhola.

He also urged the businessmen and industrialists to use vacant plots of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation estates.

Amu also assured women entrepreneurs of allotting plots for them.