The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Adviser to the Prime Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Dr Tawfiq-e- Elahi Chowdhury today said the government would take short, mid and long-term plans for proper use of energy, including gas, to ensure the smooth economic progress in the country.

"The unplanned use of energy creates many problems in the energy-related sectors," he told reporters after the inaugural function of the 2nd International CNG Exhibition-2009 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the city.

Chairman of Petrobangla Prof Dr Hossain Mansur and Director General of Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL) Engineer Shafiul Alam and General Secretary of Bangladesh CNG Fling Stations and Conversion Jakir Hossain Nayan addressed the function.

Dr Tawfiq said after assuming power, the present government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is actively considering short, mid and long-term plans for the energy sector.

In the past seven years, many irregularities were taken place in the sector, he said adding that the present government is working for taking realistic initiatives for healthy growth of the sector.

Referring to rapid industrialization as well as creating new energy based fields, Dr Toufiq said the demand for energy is increasing tremendously.

"We are also thinking of using other energy resources, including coal and nuclear energy, to reduce pressure on gas," he added.

The adviser said the government has formed a committee for introduction of 'Mother dotter' CNG technology to expand the CNG network in the country.

The committee will examine feasibility of the technology for its effective utilization.

The adviser said the technology would help supply gas to that region of the country, where gas is not available.

A total of 20 countries, including Indian, Pakistan, the UK, the USA, Canada, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Korea, China, Egypt, the Natherlands, Austria and Myanmar are participating in the fair.

Nearly 50 local companies will display their equipment and machinery at the fair. The four-day fail began today and it would conclude on November 9.