Bangladesh has no binding obligation regarding energy imports, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said yesterday, dismissing speculation about any secret agreement with the United States.
“There is no secret agreement with the United States; whatever agreements exist have already been made public,” Khalilur told reporters at the Secretariat after US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his Cabinet Division office at the Secretariat.
Khalilur and the PM’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir were present at the meeting.
The foreign minister said claims that Bangladesh “needs permission” from the US to import oil under any agreement are “completely false”.
He added that sanctions on Russian oil apply globally, and any required approvals stem from those sanctions, not from any trade agreement between Bangladesh and the US.
On energy cooperation, Khalilur said some aspects could not be disclosed due to confidentiality, but added that the US assured support to help ensure Bangladesh’s energy security.
Replying to a question about whether the US could assist Bangladesh in tackling the current energy situation, he said the government is exploring multiple sources for energy imports and will procure oil from the most cost-effective options.
India, the Middle East, and the US remain open alternatives, he added.
The minister further said the government’s priority is to maintain a stable energy supply and ensure national energy security by sourcing fuel from the most competitive and affordable options in the global market.
During the meeting, the US ambassador handed over two photographs and a replica of the White House to the prime minister. One photograph features Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former US President Jimmy Carter, while the other shows former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former US President George Bush Sr.
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