Bangladesh proposes to import gas through pipeline from Myanmar

Bangladesh has proposed to import gas through pipeline from Myanmar. The government wants to increase energy co-operation between the two countries under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

The issue was discussed in a meeting between Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud and Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe at the Secretariat on Sunday.

In the meeting, the energy minister said that there is a demand for gas in Bangladesh. Therefore, Bangladesh is interested in importing gas through pipeline from Myanmar. 

In response, the Myanmar Ambassador expressed a positive attitude on the issue. 

He also highlighted the possibility of supplying gas in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The old proposal to build a gas pipeline from Myanmar to Chattogram was also discussed again in the meeting. 

The energy minister said that in 2003, the then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had proposed to import gas from Myanmar through pipeline. That initiative can be considered again.

Iqbal Hassan Mahmud proposed a meeting at the level of energy ministers of the two countries to take the issue forward. 

He invited the Myanmar energy minister to visit Bangladesh. He also expressed his interest in visiting Myanmar if necessary.

Recalling Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China, the minister said that a proposal has been made to establish a China-Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor. 

The energy minister opined that if this corridor is implemented, it will be possible to further strengthen energy and trade co-operation.

The Myanmar ambassador said that the meeting of the Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Technical Committee can be resumed and the issue reviewed.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh and other concerned officials were present in the meeting.