MP terms deal with ConocoPhillips time-befitting

FE Report

A vested quarter is hatching conspiracy to destroy the country's economy in the name of protecting its natural resources like oil, gas and coal, a ruling party lawmaker said in parliament Monday.

Tajul Islam, a lawmaker from Noakhali, termed the deal signed between state-owned Petrobangla and ConocoPhillips of the United States time-befitting, saying that neighbours of the country, Myanmar and India, have started exploring oil and gas from deep sea blocks in the Bay of Bengal to earn more benefits.

"If we do not explore such natural resources right at this moment, our neighbouring countries will take the same away from us. Those who are protesting the move do not want progress of the nation," the parliamentarian said.

Meanwhile Manoranjan Sen Gopal, a member of parliament from Comilla, said the government should strengthen the activities of state-operated telecom company - Bangladesh Tele-communications Company Limited (BTCL) - as security and sovereignty is at great danger due to domination of the leading overseas telecom firms.

"Five foreign mobile companies - Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, Airtel and Citycell - are dominating the sector, which is not a good thing for the nation," he said.

"The government should take immediate measures to boost up the capacity of BTCL considering the country's security and sovereignty," he added.

View the original article here