The agriculture minister, Matia Chowdhury, on Thursday accused economist Anu Muhammad, member-secretary of the National Committee for Safeguarding Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports, of misleading the people about the production sharing contract the government signed with US company ConocoPhillips.
Speaking in parliament on the proposed budget for the fiscal 2011-2012, she also said that the government could not avoid its responsibility for the share market debacle and the finance ministry should take effective steps in this regard.
'I have respect for economist Anu Muhammad. He is honest. But I do not understand why he is confusing the people by giving misinformation about the contract signed with ConocoPhillips,' said Matia, also a presidium member of the Awami League.
She said that the contract was signed with the US company in 'national interest' and no other agreements could be better than it which 'has a provision making it mandatory for ConocoPhillips to sell gas to Bangladesh.'
'What's the use of keeping gas underground? People are facing a severe gas crisis,' said Matia, adding the economist did not protest when motorised vehicles had been converted to CNG-run transports.
Earlier on June 19, state minister for environment Hasan Mahmud had launched a scathing attack on Anu Muhammad branding him a foreign agent and spy.
Matia in her speech also said that the government should take the responsibility for the capital market debacle.
'When the government is held responsible for human casualties even in accidents, it cannot avoid the responsibility for such incidents as the share market debacle,' said Matia, adding that the finance minister had taken some measures at the final stage.
She also urged farmers to keep watch on urea fertiliser distribution process so that none could indulge in any irregularities or corruption in the process.
The agriculture minister also proposed to reduce the import tax on scrapped iron as the price hike of iron and rods was seriously affecting the construction and development works.
Source : New Age
