Cox's Bazar cries for gas

Over 30,000 consumers have been longing for gas connection for Cox's Bazar, which has remained deprived despite local availability of gas.

Politicians irrespective of party, businessmen and common people said the government has ignored their demand for gas. They said Cox's Bazar is the largest tourist spot in the country having top hotels, restaurants and over millions of visitors.

No initiative has been taken so far to extend the facility to Cox's Bazar, they said.

State Minister for Communication Salahuddin Ahmed said a proposal is under consideration to connect Cox's Bazar with gas. Salahuddin, also local MP and district BNP president, said " It will not be possible during the tenure of this government to supply gas to Cox's Bazar due to inadequate production of gas."

"It will get priority if the party returns to power in next election," he added.

A Bakarabad Gas System Ltd official on condition of anonymity said, "Due to lack of government decision we can't connect Cox's Bazar with gas." "It needs government decision, he added.

The cross-section of the people in the district said it will cost only Tk 60 crore to expand 100km pipeline from Patiya to Cox's Bazar which will create approximately 30,000 consumers and help establish many small and medium sized industries. Besides, the gas facility would change the total scenario of southern Chittagong, including Satkania, Lohagara, Chandanaish, Chakaria, Ramu and Cox's Bazar.

People of the district are frustrated over the politicians, as they do not take any initiative over the issue. As a result, Cox's Bazar has been lagging behind as industries could not grow here yet. The gas facility would encourage the local entrepreneurs to come forward with new investments.

Sources said Cox's Bazar meets most of the country's salt requirement and shrimp. The businessmen from different parts of the country purchase and transport fish from Cox's Bazar. If the transports had facilities to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the price of commodities supplied from Cox's Bazar would have been reduced a lot, they said.

Mohammed Ali, acting president of Cox's Bazar Awami League, said AL during its tenure took step to extend railway and gas pipeline up to Cox's Bazar.

He said production of gas began during the AL rule but the prime demand for gas in the district has been ignored as his party could not form the government. After assuming power, the four-party alliance government ignored the demand, he added.

Fazlul Quader chowdhury, secretary of Environment Journalists Association, said had the politicians were sincere the people of Cox's Bazar would be able to enjoy the facilities of natural gas. This could change the face of tourist-capital, he said.

Abul Quashem Sikder, president of Cox's Bazar Restaurant Owners' Association, said the tourists become surprised seeing no gas connection in Cox's Bazar.

Abul Kalam Azad, president of Cox's Bazar Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), said nobody, including politicians, is serious about about gas line. He said "I feel, if there is a sincere and honest move, Tk 60 crore will not be a problem to extend gas pipeline from Patyia to Cox's Bazar."

Lutfor Rahman Kazal, president of Shrimp Association of Bangladesh, urged the government to take immediate steps to extend gas pipeline. The gas facility will help attract a good number of entrepreneurs to set up industries in the district, he said.