Experts for demarcation of blocks in deep sea

Observing the overlapping of blocks by neighbouring Myanmar and India, the geologists said if Bangladesh makes a declaration of its blocks immediately, the international oil companies (IOCs) might lose their interest in signing contracts with neighbouring countries over the disputed territory.

This will create an opportunity for discussion with India and Myanmar for resolving the dispute over maritime rights, they pointed out.

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Accepting the idea, Energy Advisor Mahmudur Rahman said the BNP-led four-party alliance government would go for third round block bidding during its present tenure.

He told journalists after the seminar that the government ordered him to go for third round block bidding without a seismic survey. Rahman said the block announcement would be done on the basis of 200 nautical miles at sea from the shore.

"We may not be able to award the contract by this time but we would try our best for at least going for international tender," he said.

The government will also try to convince the court for withdrawal of injunction over production sharing contact (PSC) with foreign companies.

Bangladesh Geological Society organised the seminar at Spectra Convention centre in the city where Mahmudur Rahman was the chief guest and Energy Secretary AMM Nasiruddin special guest.

Presided over by Prof Monirul Haque, president of the society, the seminar was also addressed by former Petrobangla chairman Mosharraf Hossain, former director M A Maruf Khan and Prof Badrul Imam.

"Government should go for block declaration to protect resources in deep sea as Myanmar and India already overlapped two blocks in Bangladesh territory," said Prof Badrul Imam.

Emphasising proper demarcation of blocks, AMM Nasiruddin said cooperation, not criticism, is expected from the geologists.

Dr AHM Shamsuddin, chief geologist of Chevron Bangladesh, presented a keynote paper on "Oil and gas exploration in deep sea: prospect and opportunity in Bangladesh".

Shamsuddin in his paper said observing the neighbouring countries' activities in the deep sea it can be assumed that Bangladesh territory also has the potential for oil and gas resources.

He observed that only IOCs can go for such exploration that requires huge amount of investment. He suggested the government to conduct a seismic survey in this regard.

The energy advisor further said that the government has decided to keep the on-shore activities under Bapex of Petrobangla. He said the gas production in the country increased by 900 mmc since the present government came to power.

He said if any dispute arises over blocks with India and Myanmar that will be resolved through discussions.

Rahman said the media did not give proper coverage although Bapex achieved tremendous success in exploring new wells.