Bangladesh’s CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association has postponed its planned nationwide shutdown of CNG filling stations, following discussions with senior government officials over long-standing problems facing the sector.
The association had planned to keep all CNG filling stations closed from 28 September as part of a protest programme over unresolved issues affecting the industry.
However, following meetings with State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit on 22 September and Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmood Tuku on 24 September, the association said it had received assurances that the problems would be addressed promptly.
The association therefore said the planned shutdown would remain suspended until further decisions are taken.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the association said it had previously informed the government of its grievances and sought its cooperation in resolving the issues.
It said the decision to suspend the closure programme was taken after receiving assurances from the government that the association’s legitimate demands and problems would be addressed.
The association expressed hope that the government would take necessary and effective measures within the shortest possible time to resolve the outstanding issues.
The organisation urged national newspapers and electronic media to publish the statement widely, saying public cooperation was important.
The statement was signed by Amirul Islam Chowdhury, convener of the committee formed to implement the programme.