First of all, the project was approved without any bidding at a cost of Tk 1,100 crore to transmit some 250 million cubic feet natural gas per day from Bhola to Barisal. And on top of that it was initiated without any feasibility study to leave scope for misuse of fund without initial cost estimate. The point, however, the gas transmission line will not be enough when the pipeline will start operating and create extra demand for gas in the area to around 450 mmcf a day. Contrary to it; Bhola’s two gas fields can hardly produce 300 mmcf gas a day. Now there is no certainty if production can be increased and even if it is possible; the pipeline will not be enough to supply the required gas without a second pipeline.
Undeniably, it is a political decision in the election year ignoring technical and financial feasibilities. It has been taken hurriedly and contract awarded under the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provisions) Act 2010 that indemnifies award of contracts without public tender. So there is no transparency at one end and accountability for project money at the other leaving room for massive misuse of public money. There is no secret that contacts now go to party men and powerful people share such unaccounted financial benefits. The entire system of government is now rippled with corruption and there is no visible drive to reverse the system.
Experts held the view that an estimated 1,500 bcf gas reserves at two fields in Bhola was on the high side based on assessment of reserves from two wells drilled in the past few months. There should have been concrete data from two to three wells to ensure presence of larger gas reserves. However, it appears both the reserve announcement and award of the contract without feasibility study was evidently a politically considered decision to show the so-called government success in the election year — no matter what transpired at the end. Many believe it is still possible to stop the project for financial and technical re-evaluation. A high cost corruption carnival at the cost of public money is not acceptable at all.
