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Refrain from signing any PSC for energy export

Speakers urge govt

UNB, Dhaka
Speakers at a roundtable yesterday called on the government to refrain from enter-ihg into any energy export-oriented contracts for safeguarding ensuring country's energy security'.
. They also stressed the need for Strengthening the capacity of Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (Bapex) to facilitate its * foie in exploring the country's natural (esources.
' Speaking as the chief guest, former Chairman of TIB Prof Muzaffer Ahmad iaid overseas companies always look Covetously in the country's natural resources and some political leaders provide them support.
; The Weekly Shaptahik organised the (oundtable on 'Oil, gas export: production sharing contract (PSC) and public interest' at Biam auditorium in the 4ity where economists, lawyers, engi-bureaucrats, academicians and
politicians took part.
Prof Muzaffer stressed the need for formulating a comprehensive energy policy to deal with its natural resources. “There shouldn't be separate policies for various types of energy."
He said the authorities concerned should make a proper review of the relevant laws for the protection of public resources and must give priority to the national interest.
The ex-TIB boss also said vested quarters would always find a way to fulfil their interest unless a participatory democracy is established in (he country. "We want such a democracy where people's interest will be protected."
About the role of NGOs, he said the NGOs neither played any role earlier in alleviating poverty nor they would be able to protect the country's natural resouYces in future.
Noted economist Prof Anu Mohammad said the government should refrain from entering into any contract for
energy export.
Saying that all the PSCs have so far brought only great losses for the country instead of any benefit, he suggested the prime minister cancel all energy export agreements, if there was any.
Referring to the damages caused by foreign company NIKO to gas resources in the country, Prof Anu said the government should realise some Tk 2,000 crore as compensation from NIKO which damaged around 500 billion cubic feet of gas.
Prof MM Akash said the government should not export any energy resources from the country even if such resources are in surplus.
Former state minister for power Anwarul Kabir Talukder, ex-Bapex managing director M Jamal Uddin, advocate Syeda Rizwana Hasan of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Prof Abu Ahmed, CPB General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim and Prof M Shamsul Alam of CUET also spoke, arAong others.