The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

It's not possible to formulate an appropriate coal policy keeping Asia Energy in Bangladesh, said National Committee for Protection of Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports yesterday.

"While finalizing the national coal policy, we propose to impose a ban on export of coal taking the country's future requirements and energy security into consideration," said Engr Sheikh Muhammad Shahidullah and Anu Mahmud, convener and member-secretary respective of the National Committee in a joint statement yesterday.

They said that the soil condition of Bangladesh, underground water levels, underground coal deposits, rains and floods are not suitable to the open-pit mining in any way.

Population density in Bangladesh is much higher in any country of the world. Open-pit mining would lead to eviction of a large number of people from their homesteads and destruction of agricultural lands.

The National Committee leaders observed that Asia Energy had been trying to influence the media and policy makers through various ways

when the committee is working to create awareness among people and policymakers about the negative impacts of open-pit mining.

They alleged that Asia Energy has been spreading propaganda through appointing media consultant. Besides, Asia Energy has been publishing advertisements in different newspapers making utter lies and confusing information. This company is now drawing money from the London share market showing its coal reserve in Phulbari. Though we drew attention of the government to these illegal and forge acts of Asia Energy, the government is yet to take any action against the company.

"We think it will not be possible to formulate a coal policy when Asia Energy has been pursuing its illegal activities," they said. "So, it is imperative to oust Asia Energy from the country by suspending the Phulbari Coal Mine Project and realizing compensation from it before finalizing the proposed coal policy," they added.