Bangladesh should immediately go for exploring and using gas and coal
resources to ensure long-term as well as sustainable energy security
of the country, said Prof M Tamim at a programme in the city
yesterday.

The former special assistant for power, energy, and mineral resources
said, "Since Bangladesh is an energy-starved country, it is
imperative to find new gas fields, explore and enhance existing
production of gas and coal resources immediately to avert energy
crisis that may affect its economic growth."

Tamim said this while delivering a lecture on 'Energy security of
Bangladesh: Challenges and options' organised by Bangladesh Institute
of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) as part of
its 'Eminent Person's Lecture Series (EPLS)' at its auditorium.

Presenting a keynote paper, he said energy is an important global
product and the country may face huge energy shortfall in future if
the energy prices are not adjusted immediately.

"We have to be practical on energy pricing and go into partnership
with international oil companies (IOCs) for exploration," he added.

Underscoring the need for strengthening Bapex, he said the government
has to change its mindset about the exploration company.

"We have to strengthen Bapex and develop its expertise and also give
proper authority and pricing capability," said Tamim, also the head
of the department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineering at
Buet.

Regarding the limitation of Petrobangla, he said lack of funding and
latitude under the present mode of operation does not allow the
company to react and rectify market imbalance like a true energy
company on an emergency basis.

Petrobangla will never be able to supply gas reliably if the
commercial framework of gas business is corrected, he said, adding
that as the coal policy is in ready form, the process of coal
extraction should be determined on geo-hydrological and socio-
economic structure.

Tamim called for resolving the debate over the methods of mining and
focusing more on renewable energy sources in the country.

He suggested releasing maximum gas from power production and using
coal fired generation, prioritising gas use for industry, compressed
natural gas (CNG) and fertiliser and promoting renewable gas,
especially biogas and solar, in the rural areas.

BIISS Director General Maj Gen Abu Belal Md Shafiul Huq also spoke at
the programme.