, Nov. 23 -- All gas well drilling under Petrobangla has been suspended for 48 hours as a precaution amid heightened earthquake risk, officials said on Sunday.

The decision was taken on the instruction of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Petrobangla confirmed. Drilling, exploration and workover operations ongoing as of 8am on November 25 have been ordered to stop.

Petrobangla said the suspension aims to prevent potential damage to drilling and seismic survey equipment, and to ensure the safety of workers and the public.

"It is dangerous to continue drilling during earthquake stress," said Shamsunnahar, General Manager (Environment and Safety) of Petrobangla's Operations and Mines Directorate. "So, all drilling activ...