Residents of Panchagarh’s border area Tetulia have revived their decades-old demand to reopen the Shalbahan oil field, which was abruptly shut down nearly 37 years ago. The field, discovered in 1987 and inaugurated in 1988 by then-President Hussain Muhammad Ershad, had shown promising signs of oil reserves. A French company was assigned to drill up to 8,000 feet, but operations ceased within eight months without explanation, leaving the site abandoned and the reasons undisclosed.

Local citizens and organizations are now urging the government to investigate the mystery and restart exploration, arguing that the field could significantly contribute to Bangladesh’s energy sector. The district administration has confirmed that a letter has been sent to the relevant ministry for evaluation. Activists and community leaders believe reopening the field could transform the region’s economy and reduce national fuel shortages.

The site, once bustling with foreign experts and heavy machinery, now hosts residential homes, though the cement-sealed wellhead remains as a relic. Visitors continue to arrive, drawn by curiosity about the long-silent oil field.