A former lawmaker yesterday urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure environmental safety in the vulnerable gas blocks' in Banl-acbang thana under Habiganj district, reports BSS.

Terming the area "endangered and envlronmentally-vulnerable like Magurchhara." Zakaria Chowdhury said: "Government's agreements for exploration. drills and distribution of gas should also embrace local demands for ensuring administrative transparency."

Addressing newsmen at the National Press Club he demanded that international certification of standard like ISO and OSHA should be produced before any drills at Ratna-1 and Block-12 while International insurance guarantee should also be taken to face any accident.

The gas exploration company working in the area should also create annual development fund for economic growth in Baniachang. he said, adding the road connecting the village with the district headquarters should be developed to make up the damage caused by vehicles of the company.

Chowdhury said the people of Baniachang also demand supply of gas lor domestic and industrial use after the launching of commercial distribution.