The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Power and Energy Ministry Prof M Tamim yesterday said the government is actively considering import of gas from Myanmar to meet gas crisis in the country.

Disclosing this at a press conference at his ministry he said Myanmar proposed construction of a fertiliser factory in Chittagong in exchange of a portion of the fertiliser.

"We agree to the proposal since Bangladesh will be benefited from it," he said.

The Special Assistant said the government would continue its all out effort to meet the shortage of power and gas by 2009.

Emphasising the need for exploring new gas fields, he said there is no alternative to exploring new gas fields and importing gas to meet the crisis.

He said the exploration activities have to be started in full swing alongside increasing of manpower in the gas sector.

On the overall gas situation, Prof Tamim said effort is being made to supply gas in Chittagong within a short period of time.

Replying to a question on corruption in Titas Gas, he said measures would be taken if such allegation were raised to the ministry.

There should be provisions of punishment in gas law for the corrupt people in the sector, he observed.

Asked whether there should be a task force in Power Development Board to stop corruption, he replied in the positive saying that carrying out anti-corruption drive is needed in all institutions where corruption is practised.

About exploration of gas in the offshore areas, he said the Council of Advisers is expected to approve a PSC model in this regard in its next meeting.

"Exploration activities will start soon after approval of the model. Not only in the offshore, exploration activities might be carried out in onshore areas also," he observed.

Prof Tamim said he is hopeful that repair work would be completed as per schedule.

He said that Titas Gas had to go for the repair works at this time to do the work easily since it is dry season now.