HABIGANJ: Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith has said new gas connections will not be given to domestic users any more.

"You will not receive the supply of gas at every household. Gas will not be supplied for domestic uses any more. Gas is a very precious resource. Steps have been taken to limit the use of this precious resource for domestic uses," he said while speaking as the chief guest at an opinion-sharing meeting with public representatives and government officials at Bahubal upazila conference room in Habiganj on Friday morning.

Muhith said also said no new gas connections have been given in capital Dhaka in recent times.

"Since huge quantity of gas is being produced from the Bibiana gas field, some connections may be given to its adjoining areas," he said.

The Finance Minister said the government has adopted a policy for nationalising schools and colleges. The educational institutions which have made significant progress will be nationalised in the days ahead.

Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali, who was present as special guest, said, "Hartal was going on for several days. I will ask the Finance Minister to deploy minimum one battalion of soldiers from each cantonment and punish the pickets."

The minister said: "Soldiers must shoot those on sight who create violence. It can't be tolerate any more. There is a limit of sufferings."

Syed Mohsin Ali said, "Hartal has been called to save war criminals who were given death sentences. Had it been '72 or '73, I would have shot them dead."

With Habiganj deputy commissioner Md Zainal Abedin in the chair, the meeting was also attended by Advocate Abu Zahir, MP of Habiganj-3 constituency, Advocate Abdul Mazid Khan MP of Habiganj-2 constituency, Advocate Mahbub Ali MP of Habiganj-4 constituency, Abdul Munim Chowdhury MP of Habiganj-1 constituency, Amatul Kibria Keya Chowdhury MP of reserved seats for women and Habiganj district council administrator Dr Mushfique Hossain Chowdhury.

The meeting was also addressed, among others, by Bahubol upazila chairman Md Abdul Hye, Upazila Awami League president Kakul Shahriar Chowdhury Piplu, UP chairman Nazmul Hossain Chowdhury and Upazila Awami League organising secretary Sohel Ahmed, among others.