DHAKA, 26 June 2005 — Angry Bangladeshi villagers yesterday gathered around a burning gas field, protesting against the “inefficiency” of developer Canadian Niko Resources and demanding compensation.
An explosion in a gas field — being developed by Niko under a joint venture with a state-run company — had triggered a massive fire Friday. The fire with 100-120 feet flames continued to rage yesterday despite rain.
It was the second explosion in the same gas field in Sunamganj district, some 400 km from the capital, in six months.
The government yestereday formed a seven-member inquiry committee to probe into Friday’s explosion in Chhatak gas field, known as Tengratila, an energy ministry official said.
Anwarul Azim, president of the Engineers Institute of Bangladesh, was appointed convener of the committee, which has been asked to submit its report within 15 days. A huge police contingent was deployed around the gas field area to ward off any violence.
The explosion occurred when Niko was drilling a relief well to seal off a previous well that saw a massive explosion Jan. 7.
After Friday’s explosion, local experts said the accident might have damaged the entire gas reservoir of 115 billion cubic feet.
