Bangladesh has formally proposed importing natural gas from Myanmar via pipeline, prioritising energy cooperation with its close neighbour.
Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmood, expressed the government’s intent during a meeting with Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh, U Kyaw Soe Moe, at the Secretariat on Sunday.
The minister highlighted significant domestic demand for natural gas and said Bangladesh is particularly interested in sourcing energy through a pipeline from Myanmar.
In response, the Myanmar ambassador welcomed the proposal and suggested detailed discussions regarding the feasibility of supplying Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). During the meeting, the officials discussed reviving a previous proposal for a pipeline extending from Myanmar to Chattogram.
To accelerate bilateral energy dialogue, Iqbal proposed a ministerial-level meeting between the two countries.
He expressed his intention to formally invite the Myanmar energy minister to visit Bangladesh and indicated his own willingness to travel to Myanmar to further these interests.
Recalling Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China, the minister said a China-Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor had been proposed. He added that establishment of a bilateral pipeline could play a supporting role in such an initiative.
He further emphasised Tarique’s “Neighbour First” policy, conveying the prime minister’s sincere desire to enhance mutual relations, develop long-term commercial ties, and expand energy cooperation.
Iqbal said numerous potential areas for exploration exist between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The Myanmar ambassador suggested that Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Technical Committee could review and evaluate these matters in a meeting.
The meeting was also attended by the State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit; Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam; and Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh.
