Bangladesh proposes gas import from Myanmar through pipeline

Bangladesh has proposed importing gas from Myanmar through a pipeline. The government aims to enhance energy cooperation between the two countries under the 'Neighbours First' policy.

The matter was discussed during a meeting between Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud and Myanmar's Ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe at the Secretariat on Sunday.

During the meeting, the Energy Minister said Bangladesh has demand for gas and is interested in importing it from Myanmar via pipeline. The Myanmar ambassador responded positively and also raised 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 also came up for discussion. The Energy Minister said former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had proposed importing gas from Myanmar via pipeline in 2003, and that initiative could be reconsidered.

To take the matter forward, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud proposed a meeting at the energy minister level between the two countries. He invited Myanmar's Energy Minister to visit Bangladesh and expressed his own interest in visiting Myanmar if needed.

Recalling Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, the minister said China has proposed a Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor. He said if this corridor is implemented, energy and trade cooperation could be further strengthened.

The Myanmar ambassador said the Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Technical Committee meeting could be resumed to review the matter.

The meeting was attended by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources State Minister Anindya Islam Amit, Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh and other concerned officials.