The Bangladesh government has sought a temporary waiver from the United States to import oil from Russia, as uncertainty in the global energy market has increased amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury shared the information with journalists on Wednesday (March 11) after a meeting with the US ambassador to Bangladesh at the Planning Minister’s office in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.
The minister said that due to the growing conflict in the Middle East, the United States has temporarily relaxed sanctions on India to allow it to purchase Russian oil that had been stranded at sea. In that context, Bangladesh has also requested the US to grant a similar facility.
“We told them that if Bangladesh is also given such an opportunity, it would be a major support for our economy. They have said the matter will be sent to Washington. Now we will see what happens.”
The minister further said the meeting also included detailed discussions on the uncertainty in the international energy market and the global supply situation of oil and gas.
Importance was also given to expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.
He added that the two sides also discussed capacity building of various government institutions.
Responding to a question about a possible trade agreement with the United States, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that no specific decision has yet been made.
“A trade agreement is a matter between two countries. It is not possible to say anything specific right now. However, we are considering how the issue can be utilised in the best possible way in Bangladesh’s interest.”
When asked what steps the government would take if the current Middle East conflict becomes prolonged, the minister said the government is preparing for all possible scenarios.
He said: “Whether the war is short-term, medium-term or long-term, we are planning while keeping every possibility in mind. Today’s meeting discussed these issues in detail.”
