Activists to launch divisional rallies from Sylhet on Oct 4

The National Committee for Protection of Oil-Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports will stage divisional rallies, starting on October 4 in Sylhet, protesting a provision introduced by the government in the Offshore Model PSC-2019 that allows international oil companies to export gas.

Prof Anu Muhammad, member secretary of the committee, yesterday made the announcement while speaking at a demonstration in front of Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

He said in the name of gas shortage, the government is constructing several coal-based power plants including the Rampal plant, and on the other hand, it has introduced such provision that allows drilling companies to export gas extracted from offshore blocks in the Bay of Bengal.

“Actually, the government itself is corrupt, as it is yet to take action against even more corrupted persons in other sectors including energy,” said Anu Muhammad, also professor of Economics department of Jahangirnagar University, terming ongoing drive against casinos an “eyewash”.

He further said the government blamed Petrobangla and other energy related institutions for their incapacity in gas extraction properly, only to serve self-interest.

“Rather, it should take initiative to enhance its [Petrobangla] capacity by abolishing corruption from there,” he added.

Citing the PM’s various remarks demanding financial support to address climate change, Prof Anu said Sheikh Hasina herself is bringing climate hazard in the name of so-called development activities.

“If government could ensure proper use of gas to produce electricity, there is no need to establish Rampal plant, destroying the ecological system of the Sundarbans,” he said.

He urged all to participate in their rallies scheduled to be held at every division of the country stage by stage.

Later, over 50 leaders and activists of the committee defied rain to bring out a procession.

The government has reintroduced the provision in the offshore model PSC, which was approved by the cabinet committee on economic affairs recently.

The provision of the Offshore Model Production Sharing Contract (PSC)-2019 was reintroduced by the government, through an approval by the cabinet committee on economic affairs recently.

The government has a separate model PSC for onshore blocks, which still bars gas export. It had earlier included the export provision in the PSC in 2008, but it was discarded in the 2012 version, amid criticism.

Bangladesh has 26 blocks in the Bay. Contracts for 22 of them have not been awarded yet.