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Energy and Mineral Resources Council dissolved |
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August 3, 2000
Dhaka (UNB)- The government has dissolved the National Council for Energy and Mineral Resources, as it "appeared inoperative" three years after it was reconstituted. The Cabinet Division dissolved the council by a circular issued on July 27 with immediate effect. Entrusted with a huge task of supervising the energy sector and making necessary recommendations, the council, headed by the Prime Minister, could not meet even on a single occasion since it was reconstituted in 1997. It was scheduled to meet at least once in three months and if necessary, meet in shorter intervals. Recommendations or decisions of the council were to be sent to the Prime Minister for approval. The council was reconstituted with Prime Minister as its president by a circular of Cabinet Division on October 6, 1997 that simultaneously melted the national council formed in 1992. Energy Minister was made its vice president while Finance Minister, political adviser to the Prime Minister, state Minister for Planning, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, cabinet secretary, energy secretary, ERD secretary, a director of Atomic Energy Commission, Awami League presidium member Amir Hossain Amu and three representatives from energy using institutions were its members. The national energy council was entrusted with reviewing overall energy situation of the country, formulating policy for proper pricing of petroleum and other fuels and making recommendations for justified supply and proper use of fuels. Reviewing performance and results of geological surveys, evaluating important development projects in energy and mineral sector and dealing with other issues relating to this sector were also within the jurisdiction of the Council. Natural Resources Wing of the Energy Ministry was assigned to provide secretarial services to the National Energy Council and arrange the meetings. |