Bangladesh has proposed importing natural gas from Myanmar via a cross-border pipeline to meet its growing domestic energy demand and deepen regional energy cooperation.
Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud placed the proposal during a meeting with Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe at his Secretariat office on Sunday.
Highlighting the significant demand for natural gas within Bangladesh, Minister Mahmud stated that the country prioritizes enhancing energy collaboration with Myanmar as an immediate neighbor.
He expressed keen interest in retrieving and reviving the long-standing proposal to construct a gas pipeline connecting Myanmar to Chattogram.
In response, the Myanmar Ambassador welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal positively and noted that in addition to a pipeline, the feasibility of supplying gas in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) could also be discussed in detail. The minister responded favorably to the LNG exploration suggestion.
To accelerate bilateral talks in the energy sector, Minister Mahmud proposed holding ministerial-level meetings between the two countries. He announced plans to extend a formal invitation to Myanmar’s Energy Minister to visit Bangladesh, adding that he is also prepared to travel to Myanmar if necessary.
Recalling Prime Minister Tariq Rahman’s recent official visit to China, the power and energy minister noted that a proposal was made to establish a China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor.
He emphasized that establishing a gas pipeline between Bangladesh and Myanmar would play a supportive role in facilitating that regional corridor.
Reiterating the government's commitment to long-term trade and energy cooperation, Minister Mahmud conveyed Prime Minister Tariq Rahman's sincere goodwill to strengthen bilateral ties under a "Neighbor First" policy, noting that numerous potential areas of cooperation remain to be explored between the two nations.
Myanmar Ambassador U Kyaw Soe Moe suggested that the proposals be thoroughly reviewed in upcoming meetings of the Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Technical Committee.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, and Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh were also present during the meeting.