**Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has stated that if the country's energy crisis can be tackled through coal extraction from the Fulbari coal mine, it will not only save foreign currency but also be beneficial for the nation. However, if open-pit coal mining is pursued, issues of residential homes and agricultural land will arise. Therefore, a decision will be made after reviewing arrangements for the rehabilitation or 'settlement' of local people, while also giving utmost importance to environmental concerns.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman made these remarks today, Wednesday, in response to a supplementary question from Jamaat-e-Islami's reserved seat Member of Parliament Sabikunnahar in the National Parliament. The question-and-answer session designated for the Prime Minister was held at the beginning of the parliamentary session, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Regarding coal extraction from the Fulbari coal mine, the Prime Minister said that Fulbari coal could play a significant role in resolving the country's energy crisis. He added that the coal found in Fulbari is among the highest quality in the world. If its extraction can help address the country's energy crisis, it will save foreign currency and be good for the nation.

However, the Prime Minister emphasized that in the case of open-pit mining, the residential homes and agricultural land of local people must be taken into consideration. He stated that the government's primary responsibility would be to ensure how affected people can be rehabilitated. Alongside arrangements for their rehabilitation, issues such as ensuring their livelihoods are not disrupted and that local people benefit in some way from the project's implementation will be reviewed.

The Prime Minister further said that in addition to considering the rehabilitation of local people, the project's impact on the environment would also be seriously examined. A final decision on Fulbari coal extraction will be made after reviewing all these factors.

Earlier, in her supplementary question, MP Sabikunnahar mentioned that the government has recently been discussing open-pit coal mining to tackle the energy crisis. While this method offers the potential for higher coal production, it could have a significant impact on agricultural land, settlements, groundwater levels, and biodiversity.

She stated that concerns regarding the Fulbari project have persisted for a long time. While addressing the energy crisis is urgent, if open-pit coal mining leads to the destruction of agricultural land, displacement of thousands of people, and irreparable environmental damage, such development will not be beneficial for the public.

For this reason, she demanded that the government first publish a comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment and ensure the consent of the local population. Sabikunnahar asked for the government's position on these matters.

History of the Fulbari Movement

On August 26, 2006, a large gathering of local people was held in Fulbari, Dinajpur, against a coal project by a company called Asia Energy. At that time, three people were killed and over two hundred activists were injured by law enforcement's gunfire.

Subsequently, the movement spread to neighboring Parbatipur, Birampur, and other areas alongside Fulbari. Faced with the intensity of the movement, on August 30, 2006, the government accepted the demands of the activists, and the 'Fulbari Agreement' was signed.

Bapex was crippled: Prime Minister

In response to a question from MP Selina Sultana from a reserved women's seat, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman said that during the past autocratic regime, the Bangladeshi state-owned enterprise Bapex was effectively crippled.

He stated that to extricate the country from the energy crisis created by inadequate gas exploration and over-reliance on imports, the government is implementing an integrated action plan.

The Prime Minister informed that as part of increasing domestic gas production, a program to drill and workover 150 wells has been undertaken. Of these, drilling of 30 wells has already been completed. These wells have added 140 MSCFD of gas to the national grid.

Currently, drilling is underway for another 7 wells. Once these wells are completed, an additional 85 MSCFD of gas will be added to the national grid. Projects for drilling the remaining wells are being progressively undertaken, he added.

To explore new sources of domestic gas, an action plan for conducting 4,500 line kilometers of 2D seismic survey and 4,200 square kilometers of 3D seismic survey has been adopted.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that the process of purchasing two new rigs is underway to further strengthen Bapex.

He further said that after the approval of the Offshore Model PSC 2026, a bid round has been called. Simultaneously, the process of finding gas through onshore gas exploration is also ongoing.

If new gas discoveries are made through exploration in both offshore and onshore areas, it will play a crucial role in ensuring the country's energy security, the Prime Minister stated.

Initiatives to increase the use of renewable energy

In response to a question from MP Nilofar Chowdhury from a reserved seat, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman said that to combat the energy crisis and encourage public interest in renewable energy, the government has taken various measures.

He informed that tax exemptions have been provided on necessary products for installing solar panels. This measure has been taken with the aim of fostering domestic industry and local production of solar panels.

Simultaneously, tax waivers have been arranged to encourage the production of lithium batteries in the country, the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister informed Parliament that for the next six months, the government will purchase electricity from rooftop solar installers that is supplied to the grid at a rate of 10 taka 50 poisha per unit.

He also stated that a National Rooftop Solar program has been launched for installing solar systems on the roofs of government buildings, educational institutions, hospitals, and other important establishments.

A guideline has also been prepared for the implementation of this program. Alongside solar, various activities for generating electricity from hydropower, wind power, and waste have also been undertaken.

Once these activities are implemented, it will be possible to address the country's energy crisis as well as increase the use of renewable energy, the Prime Minister said.

In response to a supplementary question from Nilofar Chowdhury, the Prime Minister said that a decision regarding the use of lithium batteries was made that very afternoon. A certification system will be introduced for lithium batteries, and a minimum standard will be set for them.

Training initiatives for Kawsmi Madrasa students for employment

In response to a supplementary question from MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman said that the government plans to arrange technical and vocational training to create employment opportunities for Kawsmi Madrasa students both domestically and abroad.

The Prime Minister stated that through this training, it will be possible to enhance the skills of Kawsmi Madrasa students and create employment opportunities for them at home and abroad.