BSS-38 Govt to import 1 lakh tonnes coal: Nasrul

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ZCZC

BSS-38

NASRUL-ENERGY-COAL

Govt to import 1 lakh tonnes coal: Nasrul

DHAKA, Aug 26, 2018 (BSS) – The government has decided to import one lakh tonnes of coal for meeting emergency demand of the country, said State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid.

“The government has already floated a tender for importing 1 lakh tonnes of coal … we will import a certain amount of coal to build a stock. But it would not be on regular basis,” he told journalists at his ministry office at secretariat.

He said the government is going to import coal for building a stock as transportation of coal from Chittagong Port to Barapukuria will be a difficult task.

Replying to a question about disappearance of coal from Barapukuria coal mine, the state minister said the government has already received two probe reports on the matter.

“We’ve already taken action in this regard … we would not tolerate any corruption,” he said and issued a warning that no person involved in corruption will be spared.

“A case has already been filed in this connection,” he added.

Giving details about disappearance of 1.40 lakh tonnes of coal, Nasrul said some 30,000 trucks were needed to transport 1.40 lakh tonnes of coal from the mine and it did not happen in a day.

“Those who were involved in the graft were building up a stock of coal since 2005. At last the coal corruption has been detected by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.” he said.

Regarding resumption of operation of the Barapukuria power plant, the state minister said, “We hope that the plant will go for a small scale production by September and the full generation by October.”

BSS/ASG/SAS/MRU/1942hrs