Sangsad Bhaban, Sept 7 (UNB) - Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon on Monday urged the government to uphold national interests in taking decision on oil and gas, and keep the parliament informed about the decision.

Speaking on a point of order, Menon, an ally of the present Awami League-led grand alliance government, said the Petrobangla reportedly signed agreements with foreign companies with provision of exporting 80 percent of gas when the country is facing gas shortage and planning its import from Myanmar.

He said the decision is also contrary to the Constitutional provision on protecting the country’s natural resources.

The Workers Party leader recalled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s bold stance that she had taken during the then US president Bill Clinton’s visit to Dhaka. He said Sheikh Hasina had declined to sell gas without keeping reserve for 50 years.

Menon said the past BNP-Jamaat government “wanted to sell out gas but failed due to stiff protest from the people.”

Criticizing police action last week in the capital on the demonstration for protecting the country’s oil, gas, power and ports, he said the national committee to protect oil, gas, power and ports will a stage march towards the Prime Minister’s office on September 10 to submit their memoranda to the Prime Minister and the Speaker.

Menon called for ensuring smooth observance of their program on September 10.