Amid growing speculation over Bangladesh’s energy diplomacy, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has firmly dismissed claims of any undisclosed agreement with the United States, while confirming that Washington has assured support in strengthening the country’s energy security.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday after a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Cabinet Division, Khalilur said Bangladesh remains under no obligation tied to energy imports and retains full freedom in sourcing fuel from global markets.
“There is no secret agreement with the United States. All agreements are transparent and publicly available,” he said, pushing back against circulating claims that Dhaka may be bound by hidden conditions.
Energy security takes centre stage
The clarification comes at a time when Bangladesh is grappling with mounting energy challenges driven by volatile global prices and supply disruptions.
Khalilur revealed that recent engagements with senior officials from the United States Department of Energy included discussions on cooperation in the energy sector.
While some aspects remain confidential, he confirmed that the US has expressed willingness to assist Bangladesh in ensuring long-term energy security.
However, he stressed that such cooperation does not translate into dependency.
“Our approach is clear. We will import energy from the most competitive and affordable sources,” he said, adding that options ranging from India and the Middle East to the United States remain open.
‘No permission required’ for energy imports
Addressing another widely discussed issue, the minister rejected the notion that Bangladesh needs US approval to import oil, particularly in the context of Russian energy supplies.
“The idea that Bangladesh must seek permission from the US to import oil is completely baseless,” he said.
He clarified that any restrictions related to Russian oil stem from international sanctions, not bilateral agreements with Washington. In certain cases, countries may require waivers due to these sanctions, but that process is unrelated to Bangladesh’s trade ties with the US.
Rohingya issue remains a priority
Beyond energy, the talks also touched on ongoing cooperation in addressing the Rohingya crisis.
Khalilur noted that the United States continues to be the largest donor supporting Rohingya refugees, and both sides discussed the continuation of this assistance.
The issue remains critical for Bangladesh, which hosts over a million displaced Rohingya in camps in Cox’s Bazar.
What lies ahead
On the question of the Prime Minister’s possible foreign visit, the foreign minister said discussions are still at an early stage, with no destination finalised.
For now, the government’s priority remains clear: stabilising energy supply, keeping costs manageable, and navigating global uncertainties without compromising policy independence.