Petroleum Prospects and PME Potential Highlighted at CUET Seminar

Chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), Md. Aminul Ahsan, emphasized the critical role of the petroleum sector in ensuring the country’s energy security. “Petroleum is the primary source of energy security in Bangladesh. We are heavily dependent on petroleum products. Alongside petroleum, mining also has a vast scope in the country,” he said.

He stressed the need to boost domestic production and noted the strategic importance of Chattogram in the petroleum sector. “Chattogram is the most important region for the petroleum sector. Therefore, we believe CUET will play a vital role in this field. Students must define their vision early and work hard towards it. With persistence and dedication, success is attainable,” he stated.

The remarks came during a seminar organized by the Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering (PME) at the central auditorium of the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) on Wednesday, July 30. “We face many challenges in this sector that require experts for solutions. I hope CUET will produce such experts. I expect CUET students to lead the petroleum sector and contribute to national development,” Ahsan added.

The seminar aimed to foster connections between PME students and companies in the oil and gas sector and to explore potential employment opportunities. CUET administration actively encouraged industry-academia collaboration to promote PME graduate recruitment.

Guest of Honour, CUET Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mahmud Abdul Muttin Bhuiyan, highlighted the global shift towards sustainable energy and resource use. “Petroleum and mining engineers must apply science and technology to build a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient future. This is not only for Bangladesh but for the well-being of all humanity,” he said. “I hope CUET students will become not just skilled engineers but also researchers, innovators, and leaders with a humanitarian outlook. For that, everyone must contribute from their own place,” he added.

Other distinguished guests included Prof. Dr. Kazi Afzalur Rahman, Dean of Mechanical and Manufacturing Faculty at CUET; Md. Shahidul Alam, Managing Director of Eastern Lubricants Blenders; Md. Mofizur Rahman, MD of Padma Oil PLC; Md. Shaherul Hasan, MD of Meghna Petroleum Ltd.; Engr. Md. Sharif Hasnat, MD of Eastern Refinery Ltd.; Md. Yusuf Hossain Bhuiyan, MD of LP Gas Ltd.; Mostafa Kudrat-E-Elahi, MD of Jamuna Oil Company Ltd.; and Engr. Manzare Khorshed Alam, Chairman of IEB Chattogram Center.

The seminar was presided over by Prof. Dr. Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem, Head of the PME Department. The welcome speech was delivered by Assistant Professor Md. Mizanur Rahman, while the event was jointly moderated by Assistant Professor Nadia Mahzabin and Lecturer Mohammad Zahidul Islam of the PME Department. The program began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Maulana Hamidullah, Imam of the CUET Staff Quarters Jame Mosque.