In a bid to recall Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's historic decision on establishing country's ownership over gas fields, the country will observe Energy Security Day on August 9.
The government last year endorsed the energy ministry's plan to observe August 9 as Energy Security Day in a cabinet meeting.
On this day in 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman bought five gas fields from Shell Oil Company at 4.5 million pounds making the nation owner of gas fields for the first time.
'Preparations have been made to observe the day in a befitting manner,' a top official of the energy ministry said.
As part of the day's programme, newspapers will publish special supplements and energy ministry will conduct a seminar to recall Mujib's vision in the sector through which Bangladesh could establish our rights to natural resources, he added.
The energy ministry Thursday discussed observing the day at a meeting chaired by the state minister for power, energy and mineral resources.
The meeting asked the officials concerned to make necessary preparations to implement the programme.
According to the energy ministry, Mujib negotiated the purchase of five gas fields and shares of the then Titas Gas Transmission and Distri-bution Company from Anglo Dutch Shell Oil Company, barely a week before conspirators killed him.
Mujib purchased Titas, Habiganj, Rashidpur, Bakhrabad and Kailashtila gas fields to ensure the country's energy security. These gas fields still have 4.3 TCF proved and 2.6 TCF probable gas reserves. As a result, the people of Bangladesh are buying gas at the cheapest rate among the neighbouring countries.
These fields produced about 73 per cent of gas till the end of December 2009 since the independence and are contributing 40 per cent to the national grid.
Source : New Age
