ZCZC
BSS-58
DAY-ENERGY-SECURITY
National Energy Security Day tomorrow
DHAKA, Aug 8, 2020 (BSS) – The National Energy Security Day will be
observed tomorrow commemorating the historic decision taken by Father
of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 9 in 1975.
After independence, Bangabandhu had undertaken various initiatives
to develop the country’s energy sector and bought five gas fields from
the then British Oil company ‘Shell Oil’ for the state at a nominal
price. The government has been observing the day since 2010.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate
messages on the eve of the day.
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said the initiative of
observing the National Energy Security Day will play an affirmative
role to make the people aware and rationale in using use of energy
considering the increased energy demand in the country.
Terming the energy and power as one of the driving forces of
economy, he said, “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman had taken initiative to buy five gas fields from the then
British Oil company ‘Shell Oil’ for the state at a nominal price in
1975 to ensure energy security. Gas and by-product oil from those gas
fields are still playing vital role in meeting the country’s energy
demand”.
There is a huge demand for oil, gas, electricity and energy
resources in the daily life, including agriculture, industry and
services, of the country, the President said, adding in this context,
the government has given priority to the development of energy and
power sector.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted all concerned
on the occasion of National Energy Security Day-2020.
Recalling Bangabandhu’s initiative of buying five gas fields from
the then British Oil Company ‘Shell Oil’ for the state at a nominal
price, she said the farsighted decision of father of the nation has
had an affirmative and far-reaching impact on the national economy.
Following Bangabandhu’s energy policy, the premier said, the present
government is taking the country toward development by expanding the
regional cooperation, including ensuring energy security, exploring
new sources of energy and making the country enriched with energy.
She said in January 2009 the daily production of natural gas was
only 1,744 million cubic feet, which has now increased to 3,750
million cubic feet, which is contributing to overall development of
the economy.
Highlighting the government’s different initiatives in the energy
sector, the Prime Minister said considering the demand for gas by
2041, a plan has been taken to set up a ground-based LNG terminal with
a capacity of producing 1,000 cubic feet per day at Matarbari.
In order to increase the capacity of Bangladesh Petroleum
Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX), 4 rigs with modern
technology have been procured, 1 rig has been rehabilitated and
various equipments required for conducting research activities have
also been procured.
Three gas compressor stations (Muchai, Ashuganj and Elenga) have
been set up to maintain gas pressure in the gas circulation pipeline,
the premier said, adding that gas network has been expanded in
Rajshahi.
The government, she said, has undertaken gas and oil exploration and
production activities in the Bay of Bengal through settlement of
maritime disputes with India and Myanmar.
Five international oil companies are currently solely and jointly
engaged in oil and gas exploration works in three shallow blocks and
one deep sea block, she said, adding: A ‘2D Non-Exclusive Multi-Client
Seismic Survey’ has been undertaken to bring more investment in oil
and gas exploration in the sea sides.”
The premier wished all the programmes on the day a success.
BSS/PR/SAH/MRU/2204hrs