DHAKA: The government Monday decided to observe August 9 as the National Energy Security Day every year, highlighting development and proper management of the country’s energy sector, particularly gas mining.

To this effect, the Cabinet took a decision at its regular meeting at the Secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

Later, prime minister`s press secretary Abul Kalam Azad told reporters that the decision was taken following a proposal made by state minister for power, energy and mineral resources Muhammad Enamul Huque.

August 9 was chosen as the National Energy Security Day since on this day in 1975 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s government took possession of five gas fields--Bakhrabad, Titas, Rashidpur, Kailashtila and Habiganj--from Shell, a multinational oil company, at a cost of 4.50 million pounds.

Abul Kalam Azad said that the total worth of the recoverable gas of those fields would be Tk 165, 000 crore.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged people to save and avoid misuse of oil, gas and power. “The Prime Minister also asked the department concerned to be alert in this regard,” the press secretary said.

He also told the reporters that the meeting also discussed an urgent matter of uninterrupted power, gas and water supply during the month of Ramadan.  
 
Meanwhile, Petrobangla had taken preparation to observe the maiden energy security day from some days before. Besides holding seminar, it published special supplements in different media. The petroleum corporation also published special supplements on the online news portal banglanews24.com.bd, first ever in the country.   

Bangladesh Agricultural Council Act (Amendment)-2010 was placed in the cabinet but lifted following the proposal of Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury.    

“The act is expected to be placed before the cabinet in the next meeting, after further scrutiny,” said Azad.

BDST: 1929 HRS. AUG 09, 2010.