In the seventies and early eighties several significant discoveries were made by then exploration unit of Petrobangla (presently BAPEX). During this period eighteenth (18) exploratory wells were drilled and eight (8) gas discoveries were made. These are Semutang, Begumganj, Feni, Kamta, Beanibazar, Fenchuganj, Shahbazpur and Saldanadi. After a re-evaluation of well logs of Kailastila-1, Kailastila-2 was drilled beyond the known gas sands and presence of oil was confirmed. The Exploration Directorate of Petrobangla also drilled several production wells in Titas, Habiganj and Sylhet fields. Technical support service was given to Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited for drilling 05 wells. The credit of discovery of Narshingdi, Meghna, Shahbazpur and Saldanadi gas fields through necessary prospecting and successful drilling also lies with BAPEX.

Bangladesh government has allowed BAPEX to undertake exploration and production of hydrocarbon from its fields to implement its future exploration, development and production programme. Moreover, BAPEX is associated as 10% carried interest partner in the recently initialled production sharing contracts with Cairn (Block-5,10), Unocal (Block-7) and Tullow-Niko (Block-9).

BAPEX has signed Joint Venture Agreement with NIKO Resources of Canada for the development and production of gas from Marginal Gas Fields of the country namely Chatak & Feni. Under the Joint Venture NIKO has already completed 3-D Seismic Survey in Chhatak and Feni. So far three wells have been drilled in Feni structure and a new gas reservoir was discovered in three wells and producing on an average 29 MMCFD.

Though BAPEX has taken its present shape through different changes in its structure at different times, the most encouraging success ratio of 2:1 indicates that its exploration standard was consistently maintained at an optimum level. With the qualified and multi-disciplined human resource and equipment & machinery, BAPEX is determined to fulfil its commitment to the nation.