RE: Bangladesh's Phulbari Coal Reserves Hold a Massive $83 Billion in Value, China Offers to Help28 Feb 2025 21:03
When asked about this, economist Anu Muhammad told Bonik Barta, "Several committees have been formed regarding the country's coal mines and extraction methods. Without knowing the details of these committees, no actions should be taken. In particular, past reports have highlighted the damage that coal extraction in Phulbari would cause. No committee has approved open-pit coal extraction in Phulbari. Asia Energy uses Bangladesh's coal to trade on the London Stock Exchange. An investigation should be conducted on how Asia Energy uses this coal mine for stock market transactions. The interim government should stop these illegal activities. Instead of coal, the government should move forward with renewable energy, which is much easier, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly."
Currently, the country has 7,000 megawatts of coal-based power plants, which require 58,000 tons of coal daily. Annually, they need 21 million tons of coal worth approximately 2.74 billion dollars. Once all coal-based power plants are completed, this amount will increase to 3.20 billion dollars.
When asked about the overall situation, Mohammad Saiful Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, told Bonik Barta, "A large amount of fuel needs to be imported for the country's coal-based power plants. To reduce imports, we are exploring what can be done in the future regarding domestic coal extraction. The 'Possibilities and Challenges of Coal Resources' seminar was organized with this in mind. It mainly provides guidance on coal policy and a roadmap for the future. We will not make any decisions. If the next government decides to take action regarding coal resources, this discussion will support that decision."