'Formulate strategy for better use of gas'

Speakers at a seminar yesterday stressed the need for formulation of a strategy for planned and better use of gas resources. They also suggested making proper estimate of gas reserve in the country and called for efficient management in the use of country's natural resources.

The speakers observed that different organisations were presenting different estimates. But for making a proper estimate, the experts should use sound economic, geological and engineering analysis supported by clear policies, they added.

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) organised the seminar on "Bangladesh Gas Issue: Is there a room for rational discussion". AMCHAM President Aftab-Ul Islam, DCCI President Matiur Rahman, DCCI Vice-President Zafar Osman and Director M Mubash-shar took part in the discussion.

Presenting the key-note paper, Dr. Ahmed Badruzzaman, a nuclear energy expert in the USA, observed that most energy related regulations in Bangladesh are not clear and a number of matters are not regulated at all.

The country will need to keep investors in drilling to ensure the future consumption, because it lacks funds, technology and sufficient expertise to explore and develop the gas fields, he said.

Dr. Badruzzaman also suggested a win-win partnership for both foreign partners and Bangladesh.

He said the Bangladeshi expatriates can also contribute a lot to the development of gas sector.

DCCI president Matiur Rahman said, "We must be very careful in respect of numerical estimate of natural gas reserve because a planned use of gas depends on that issue."

He mentioned that only four per cent of the total households get natural gas through pipeline and around 20 per cent population get electricity.

Taking part in the general discussion, some speakers criticised the role of foreign companies in the gas sector and said that they should not be allowed to control the natural resources of the country.

The foreign companies came here to make profit; they should not be allowed to participate in any sort of drilling or exploration of natural gas, they said.

Referring to the Canadian experience, a speaker observed that the government can lower the reserve for domestic use and go for limited export through pipeline.