Khulna:State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, announced that the government aims to bring natural gas from Bhola to Khulna through pipelines by 2030. This initiative is part of efforts to address the region's longstanding energy shortages and to boost industrialization.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government is also evaluating the feasibility of establishing a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in the region and is taking steps to reactivate idle power plants that have been shut down due to fuel scarcity.
The announcement was made during the divisional exhibition and evaluation ceremony of the national science and technology competition, "In Search of Future Scientists-2026," organized by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation at Khulna University. Amit emphasized Khulna's historical significance in the jute industry and the challenges faced by the region due to a lack of consistent energy supplies.
In addition to the pipeline project, the government plans to create a special economic zone in Mongla and is developing another in Abhaynagar upazila of Jashore district. These developments, however, hinge on the availability of a reliable gas supply. The state minister also mentioned ongoing efforts to restart power plants in various locations, including Mongla and Khalishpur.
Amit praised the competition's participants for their innovative projects, which included initiatives like salt-tolerant rice cultivation and biomass fuel production. He highlighted the government's support for these innovations and announced plans to expand a successful biofuel pilot project at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology.
The minister also mentioned restructuring corporate social responsibility programs to offer scholarships and internships to students. The event was chaired by Khulna University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md Rezaul Karim and attended by other dignitaries.