Adopt coal policy for energy security

Experts at a discussion yesterday called upon the government to ensure energy security by adopting independent coal policy.
They opined that open-pit coal mining would lead to environmental disaster and urged the government not to allow any quarter to adopt open-pit mining to extract coal from any part of the country.
The discussion titled 'Coal Resource and National Interest' was organised by National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Electricity and Port at the National Press Club in the city.
Speaking at the programme economist Prof Anu Muhammad said although countries around the world have discarded open-pit coal mining to avert environmental disaster, some quarters in Bangladesh are still trying to extract coal resources using this method.
He said by giving in to the interests of multinational companies, national interest cannot be served.
Prof M Shamsul Alam of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology said in the proposed coal policy experts have suggested export of coal ensuring its reserve for next 50 years for internal consumption.
But with the existing coal reserve, national demand could be met only up to 2035, he observed.
He also demanded ban on the export of oil, gas and coal through legislation.
Engineer Sheikh Muhammad Shahidullah chaired the programme where former Petrobangla Chairman Hossain Mansur, President of Workers' Party Rashed Khan Menon and its General Secretary Bimal Biswas, President of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal Khaliquzzaman and Ruhin Hossain Prince of the Communist Party of Bangladesh were present.