Staff Reporter :
The interim government of Bangladesh has announced plans to swiftly establish a land-based Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal to ensure uninterrupted gas supply for the country’s industrial sector, aiming to stimulate production and drive revenue growth.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, disclosed the initiative while speaking to journalists in Doha on Thursday. “Many have said they are unable to set up factories due to a shortage of gas. Therefore, we want to establish a land-based LNG terminal as soon as possible so that sufficient gas can be imported,” he stated.
This move comes in response to persistent energy shortages that have stifled industrial development across the country. The plan follows Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s recent visit to Qatar, during which potential cooperation with Qatar Energy on LNG imports was discussed.
Alam confirmed the terminal would be constructed soon, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting industrial growth. “The LNG terminal will ensure a steady supply of gas to Bangladesh’s factories,” he said.
Describing the Chief Adviser’s four-day visit to Doha as “highly successful and fruitful,” Alam remarked that it marked one of the most significant diplomatic engagements undertaken by the interim administration. He expressed confidence that the mission would elevate Bangladesh’s global profile and attract increased foreign investment.
The Press Secretary also touched on recent economic reforms, highlighting the government’s success in significantly reducing the country’s foreign debt. “During the previous government’s tenure, the loan stood at $3.2 billion. We have brought it down to $600 million, and the rest will be cleared within a few months,” Alam stated. “This sends a positive signal to the international community that we are ready for business,” he added.
During his stay in Qatar, Professor Yunus held multiple high-level meetings to bolster bilateral cooperation in sectors including LNG, defence, and investment. He urged Qatari investors to increase investment in Bangladesh and foster economic collaboration to enhance bilateral trade.
He also expressed appreciation for Qatar’s recent decision to recruit 725 Bangladeshi troops and encouraged the continuation of such recruitment to reinforce Qatar’s security forces.
In his meeting with Qatar’s Commerce Minister, Sheikh Faisal bin Al Thani, the Chief Adviser outlined investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s seaports, transport, logistics, banking, and hospitality sectors. He emphasised that recent economic reforms had greatly improved the investment climate and business environment in the country.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s strategic vision, Professor Yunus reiterated the government’s ambition to position the country as a regional economic and manufacturing hub for South and Southeast Asia.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, conveyed his full support for the leadership of the Chief Adviser and assured him of all possible assistance in Bangladesh’s economic reconstruction, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
