Govt to Prioritize Domestic Coal and Stone Over Imports: Energy Adviser

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has said the government will prioritize the use of domestically produced coal and stone to reduce dependence on imports.

He said imported coal and stone would only be brought in after meeting demand with resources produced from local mines.

The adviser made the remarks on Monday while visiting the Barapukuria Coal Mine and the Madhyapara Granite Mining Company in Dinajpur. He later inspected the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant and exchanged views with officials concerned.

Tuku said the previous government had followed an import-dependent policy that weakened domestic institutions and increased reliance on foreign sources. He added that the current government has taken steps to strengthen local resource management and increase domestic production.

He said proper use of the country’s mineral resources would help save foreign currency and strengthen industrial and energy security.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, National Parliament Whip Akhtaruzzaman, and local lawmakers Syed Jahangir Hossain, Sadiq Riaz Chowdhury Pinak and AZM Rezwanul Haque were present during the visit, along with senior ministry and mine officials.

Officials said large quantities of coal remain stockpiled at Barapukuria due to the long shutdown of several units at the thermal power plant. The coal is reportedly being damaged in open storage because of exposure to sun and rain.

At the Madhyapara mine, unsold stone has also accumulated for a long time. Concerned officials alleged that imported stone was used in several development projects instead of locally produced stone, creating the current situation.

Sources said the mine operator, GTC, had recently returned to profitability after increasing production, but the company is again facing financial pressure because of low sales.

The visits came after several media reports highlighted the growing stockpile and operational concerns at the two state-owned mines.