No effort was made in the past 15 and a half years to explore new gas sources and Bapex (Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company ) was kept idle , said Industries adviser Adilur Rahman Khan on Saturday.
The adviser made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after visiting Ghorashal Palash Urea Fertiliser Factory in Narsingdi in the afternoon.
About the current gas crisis in the country, he said if the gas shortage is resolved, there would be no fertiliser shortage.
He said efforts are underway to extract gas from Bhola to help address the crisis.
However, the Adviser acknowledged that various challenges remain in meeting the fertiliser demand.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to combat corruption in different sectors, noting that it has been a major issue over the past 15 and a a half years.
Among others, Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana, Narsingdi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rashed Hossain Chowdhury, Superintendent of Police Md Abdul Hannan were present.