Gas Escaping With Pump Water in Gopalganj's Kotalipara, Flames When Lit

Gas is coming out with the water from a submersible pump in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj. Local people say that when a lighter or match is held to the pipe, flames flare up.

The pump is at Bhasai Bazar in Bandhabari Union of Kotalipara upazila. Hardware trader Kamrul Sheikh installed it a year ago to supply water to fish-carrying vehicles.

Kamrul Sheikh said the pump is 280 feet deep and had been lifting little water for a week. On the night of Wednesday, October 28, he lit a gas lighter at the pipe out of curiosity and it caught fire.

As the news spread, curious crowds gathered in front of his shop. On Thursday, October 29, crowds were still seen at Bhasai Bazar, and Kamrul Sheikh had to switch on the pump from time to time and light the gas at their request.

Local youth Shihab Sheikh said they heard the news at night and found it to be true when they visited in the morning. He said they want an expert team to test whether there is really gas underground, adding that a discovery would benefit the country.

Local residents suspect there may be a gas field in the area and have demanded that BAPEX experts examine it.

Kotalipara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saif-ul-Arefin said he sent the local tahsildar to the spot after learning of the matter and, based on that report, had initially found the account to be true.

The UNO also said he would visit the site himself on Friday and take the next steps.