Dhaka, July 10: Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has said her government is yet to take any decision on gas export, primarily to India. Zia, whose government is under intense pressure mostly from the donor community and international oil companies told the national Parliament last evening that her government has not yet made up its mind on gas export even though expert committees recommended limited sale.
Unocal, a US multinational, proposed to export gas (India is the only destination) for the twin purpose of bridging the burgeoning trade gap with India and also to encourage foreign investors to put in more money in the exploration of hydrocarbon in Bangladesh. Besides the envoys of major donors countries like USA, UK and Canada, representatives of World Bank and Asian Development Bank, from time to time, have reminded Bangladesh the usefulness of gas export and the benefits it would bring for the people and the economy. In the face of opposition from Awami League and also by some left parties, the government has apparently buying time to sort out the issue. Bureau Report