US Energy official Calvin Humphrey Is learnt to have suggested that Dhaka give a clear cut decision on oil and gas Issues Involving US companies find setting up of a container terminal near Chittagong port by US company SSA before Prime minister Sheikh Haslna's scheduled visit to Washington.

The US official who returned to Dhaka on Sunday only 72 hours after a six-day visit also discussed at the highest level the need for quick settlement of US oil company Unocal's gas bill pending with Petrobangla. Dhaka should also not hesitate to take a decision on operatorship of Block-9 involving another US company -- Chevron — sources concerned said.

Washington wants Dhaka to outline a clear cut policy on the cost recovery of US oil companies on their investment in Bangladesh.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of US Department of Energy Humphrey had discussions with Finance Minister SAMS Klbria soon after his return and a lengthy meeting with the Prime Minister yesterday.

"Government high-ups are apparently very disturbed by the US approach, abrupt return of Humphrey. The approach is considered a

direct pressure on the government to arrive at crucial decisions Involving national Interest," a top official said.

Officials said that despite Dhaka's pronounced stand against gas export for keeping 50 years' reserve for the country', any vital decision on the Issue w’ould be a sensitive one for the government, particularly in an election year. However, it Is not clear whether Humphrey received any specific assurance from the Prime Minister on the Issues discussed between the two governments.

"We are not putting any pressure. We are only helping Bangladesh government arrive at decisions. The US government will continue Its efforts to change the mindset of the people who are against gas export, a senior US official was quoted as saying In Dhaka.

Humphrey Is learnt to have said It is important for Dhaka to give a decision on greater participation of US companies and payment of Unocal's dues.

Dhaka's decisions will make Sheikh Haslna's forthcoming visit to US more productive' for expansion of trade and investment," sources noted. Dhaka is seeking quota and duty-free access of garments to US market and also wants Washington to agree to formation of welfare associations Instead of trade unions In Export Processing Zones.

President Bill Clinton and Sheikh Hasina are due to hold talks on October 17.

The US authorities are interested to see that Chevron be given opcralorshlp of Block 9.

When asked about Humphrey's return, a spokesman of the US Embassy In Dhaka said. He returned to continue the talks he had Initiated. It is to resolve the unresolved Issues."

Some other embassy officials told UNB. Humphrey will con Unue discussions on cooperation In gas sector. ’

I Ie Is scheduled to leave Dh;ika this after noon.