They hold conflicting views on domestic consumption and export of gas. When the Awami League is in power, the BNP opposes export and when the BNP is in power the Awami League does the same.

There is no clear-cut, definite and congenial policy on export of our gas. Let us set aside the question of gas export. Why don't we use our natural gas to meet our ever growing demand at home?

Why are we stagnated?

In a roundtable organised by Rajshahi housewives, the participants said the Rajshahi region was not getting gas due to lack of sincerity of the politicians. They criticised the government for its ''eagerness" to export gas, rather then taking initiative to supply gas to every corner of the country.

It may be recalled that existing reserves of gas in our country is only 15.4 TCF which would be exhausted within 12-14 years.

Why don't we fulfil our own requirements first and then think about export of gas after discovering more gas fields and more reserves which is estimated at 40 TCF?

Has not the 'to be or not to be policy' of our political leaders lured foreigners to poke their noses into our internal affairs?

We are surprised to learn the Indian Prime Minister, AB Vajpayee, saying, "Bangladesh has promising reserves of natural gas and India is the only viable buyer. There is obvious scope for win-win arrangements." Why the US Ambassador to Bangladesh goes on saying, "Your government will take the decision on export of gas. Who am I to press the government?"

These edges of sarcasm are apt to lacerate the feelings of every Bangladeshi.

Instead of living in a hanging position, let us all take a bold and final decision to be duly endorsed by the ruling and opposition MPs not to export our natural gas for the next fifty years.