DHAKA, May 9, 2024 (BSS) - Prime Minister (PM)'s Energy Advisor Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Bir Bikram, today said Bangladesh was facing challenge not to be created by it rather it is created by others.

"Some countries were responsible for certain crises of dollar and others as current wars (in the world) created volatile situation," he said at a seminar on Geology for Sustainable Development organized by Bangladesh Geological Survey Department (GSB) at Petrocenter here. 

GSB Director General (DG) Tahmina Yasmin presided over the inaugural function of the two-day long seminar.

Dr Chowdhury urged the scientists for making recommendations based on knowledge and information for taking necessary measures. 

Speaking as the special guest, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has underscored on maximum utilization of mineral resources. 

"We have to ensure maximum utilization of mineral resources for development of our country as today many countries became developed depending on mineral resources," he said.

Nasrul Hamid said scientists often work in silence and their works sometimes aren't exposed to the authorities concerned.

So, the authorities could not take proper measures in right time in several occasions, he said. 

The state minister urged the scientists to present their research works to the authorities concerned to take appropriate decisions on right time.

He also said GSB needs to be modernized and strengthened and different proposals should come from their side.

Energy Division Secretary Md Nurul Alam said practical aspects should be included to theoretical aspects. 

Petrobangla Chairman Zanendra Nath Sarkar said GSB needs to be strengthened and coordination needs between GSB, BAPEX and other institutions.

GSB Director Abdul Aziz Patwari said the total financial value of mineral resources is over Tk. 248 trillion as high quality minerals have been found in the sand of the Jamuna River. 

Many domestic and foreign companies are showing interest in these minerals, he said.