Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood -File Photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 22, 2026 (BSS)- Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today told the parliament that the government is implementing short, medium and long-term plans to increase domestic gas production, strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) import.

In reply to a tabled question from BNP lawmaker Ashraf Uddin (Narsingdi-5) the Minister said a comprehensive programme involving new gas well drilling, workover operations, seismic surveys and offshore and onshore exploration initiatives is being carried out.

Under the short-term plan, he said seven gas wells- Sylhet-10X, Srikail-5, Sylhet-11, Rashidpur-11, Titas-28, Titas-29 and Sundalpur-4- will be drilled within 180 days. Workover operations will be completed in four wells: Semutang-6, Beanibazar-2, Rupganj-1 and Bakhrabad-7 in a short period of time. 

The government will also assess the feasibility of producing gas from abandoned wells and determine the implementation modalities.

In addition, BAPEX will complete the tender and evaluation process for procuring a new 2,000-horsepower drilling rig, while a development project proposal (DPP) for purchasing a 1,500-horsepower rig has been sent to the Planning Commission.

“A DPP covering the drilling of 16 wells and workover of two wells has also been submitted to the Planning Commission,” he said.

As part of exploration activities, 500 line-kilometres of 2D seismic data will be acquired in Blocks 7 and 9, while 100 square kilometres of 3D seismic data will be collected in the Habiganj, Bakhrabad and Meghna fields.

For the medium-term period from 2026 to 2028, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said the government plans to complete 59 well-related activities, including drilling of 41 wells and conducting workovers on 18 wells.

During this period, BAPEX is expected to sign contracts, procure, commission and test a 2,000-horsepower rig, while tenders will be invited and contracts to be signed for acquiring a 1,500-horsepower rig.

The Minister said 4,500 line-kilometres of seismic data acquired in Blocks 7 and 9 will be processed and analysed for reserve assessment, while 255 line-kilometres of data will be collected from Block 12.

Extensive 3D seismic survey will also be carried out in Habiganj, Bakhrabad, Meghna, Char Fashion, Titas, Narsingdi, Chhatak, Dowarabazar and Jamalpur areas.

Under the long-term plan for 2028–2031, the minister said the government aims to complete 58 well-related activities, including drilling of 47 wells and conducting workovers on 11 wells.

New drilling locations will be selected based on findings from ongoing seismic surveys. BAPEX will also procure, commission and test a 1,500-horsepower rig.

The long-term programme includes acquisition of 1,500 line-kilometres of 2D seismic data in hinge zone and foredeep areas, alongside 1,660 square kilometres of 3D seismic surveys in Bhola, Monpura, Hatiya Transition Zone and Subarnachar areas.

The Power and Energy Minister further said that the government has formulated the Bangladesh Offshore Model PSC 2026 with internationally competitive terms to attract greater investment in offshore exploration.

Accordingly, an international bidding round was launched on May 24 this year for oil and gas exploration and production in 26 offshore blocks.

Iqbal Hassan Mahmood also informed the House that a draft of Onshore Model PSC 2026 (Plain Lands), prepared by updating the existing Bangladesh Onshore Model PSC 2019 in line with the offshore model is awaiting final approval. 

Following the approval, the government will invite an international bidding round for oil and gas exploration in onshore areas as well, he said.