A discussion meeting was held in the meeting room of Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) head office on the occasion of National Energy Safety Day-2023 celebration.
KGDCL Managing Director Engineer Md. Rafiqul Islam was present as the chief guest in the meeting.
He said that there is no alternative to industrialization for the economic development of the country and if industrialization is to be done, energy must be ensured. Realizing this, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 09 August 1975 purchased 05 gas fields (Titas, Bakhrabad, Habiganj, Kailashtila and Rashidpur) from the then Shell Oil Company and initiated government ownership in the energy sector. Due to Bangabandhu's visionary thinking and prudent approach, Bangladesh government purchased the mentioned 05 (five) gas fields at a nominal price, which has been making an outstanding contribution to the energy sector of Bangladesh and the country's economy. To commemorate this contribution of the great leader, every year August 9 is officially celebrated as ‘National Energy Security Day'
He said, Bangabandhu, the great architect of freedom, gave priority to the interests of the country and encouraged and sponsored the activities of the energy sector through domestic companies. In that continuity, the honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the worthy successor of the Father of the Nation, has taken a multi-dimensional program to be economical in the use of gas and other fuels and to increase awareness in the use of safe fuels.
Moreover, the government is constantly working to make energy security a top priority. Considering the development of gas production and supply infrastructure, the exploration of new wells, along with the increase in gas demand, a new horizon has begun in gas supply through the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) with the aim of uninterrupted gas supply to various sectors.
He said that illegal use/disconnection of gas and removal of pipelines are being done to prevent wastage and illegal use of gas and installation of company pre-paid and EVC meters for greater energy security which will continue in future.
With the aim of building a smart Bangladesh under the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister, everyone will be economical in the use of gas and other fuels, will be aware of the use of safe fuels and refrain from illegal activities, he expressed his opinion on the importance of celebrating the Energy Safety Day. Finally, he praised the sincerity and tireless work of the officers and employees in customer service and called for it to be improved in the future.
KGDCL General Manager, Deputy General Manager, Karnaphuli Gas Officers Welfare Association and Employees Union, CBA leaders, company's officers and employees were present in the meeting.